The Occupations of Old Egypt: Be a Scribe- Reflection

Out of all the passages I read about first civilizations, the "Be a Scribe" section interested me and related to me the most. The introductory questions that resonated with me was "What does learning to write offer to a young Egyptian? What advantages of a scribal position are suggested in the document?"     

In the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, a social hierarchy did exist, especially when it came to someone's job occupation. At the time, being a scribe in the palace of an Egyptian king was a highly praised career. It was probably the equivalent of being a politician or doctor in today's society. Students interested in being a scribe will go to school and would have to copy texts in order to train for administrative positions. At the beginning of "Be a Scribe" I'm inferring that an instructor is saying this," Apply yourself to [this] noble profession.... You will find it useful.... You will be advanced by your superiors." The instructors also says to focus on your studies more and "shun dancing" which I think means spends your days having less leisure time and maybe even partying. The teacher additionally says "... By day write with your fingers; recite by night". I can very much relate to this statement because I believe it means to not only to work in the classroom, but to definitely spend time outside to focus on your studies. Both my parents and instructors that I've had in the past both emphasized this so I, along with the rest of the students in my class, can excel.

During the time of the Middle Kingdom, other jobs people had were being a washerman, making pottery, a cobbler, soldier for Egypt and merchants. Every job that I listed beside merchants was very hard on the person doing it physically, difficult and not very rewarding. However if someone became a scribe, that person has access to treasury and granary which is a storehouse for grain. Scribes even own horses, extravagant clothing, given a mansion, invited to grand feasts, have servants, get a "powerful" office, and lastly a boat full of workers. Whereas, most other jobs available in Egypt but much stress on the people who perform them, and their well-being and health is at risk because of it. I think that this excerpt is so important relates so much to today because it has the message of working hard in school and to study hard and well so later on in life you have a great job that allows you to live comfortably, and not to have stress about surviving everyday. Another reason that being a scribe was a highly praised job was that the Egyptians were obsessed with the after life, so if someone who was a scribe, their writings would live on after they have passed.