He is credited with authoring The Maxims of Ptahhotep, an early piece of Egyptian "wisdom literature" or philosophy meant to instruct young men in appropriate behavior.

Ptahhotep was the city administrator and vizier (first minister) during the reign of King Djedkare Isesi in the Fifth Dynasty.

As the Vizier, he wrote on a number of topics in his book that were derived from the central concept of Egyptian wisdom and literature which came from the goddess Maat.

He wrote perspicacious advice covering topics from table manners and proper conduct for success in court circles to handy hints to the husband for preserving his wife’s beauty.

Ptahhotep also wrote more social instructions such as ways to avoid argumentative persons and cultivate self-control.

[9] The 1906 translation by Battiscombe Gunn, published as part of the "Wisdom of the East" series, was made directly from the Prisse papyrus in Paris, rather than from copies, and is still in print.