AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY The Pharaonic Period: 2780-330 BC Paperback – January 1, 2004

This is a great book written by a truly intellectual genius of his own rank. Often, Theophile Obenga is regarded as a second fiddle to Cheikh Anta who was really an enormous multi-disciplinary master. But Obenga is also a great intellectual with an immense array of knowledge in linguistics, philosophy, history and pure science. The most important aspect of this book is the direct connection that the author establishes with the Egyptian philosophical concepts and the reader. One is able to analyze and judge from one's own appreciation the wealth of knowledge of that civilization as well as understanding the different social paradigm of that ancient society. Many Egyptologists treat that civilization from a purely materialistic aspect without truly engaging into the analysis of Kemetic social interractions. Obenga, while skimming the cultural, religious, and political structures of ancient Egypt manage as well to enter the most important element of that society and of any society: The people, the common people!The understanding of a people is more important than the superficial theoretical interpretation of intellectuals for it is the people, the citizenry, that define a Nation. Egypt therefore, through the eyes of Obenga become more of a Human society with its crisis and problems as well as the attempt by " individuals" and " leadership" to fix those problems. That to me was the most important appeal about this book.One fact that I learned about this book is that Egypt was clearly a conservative elitist society with the priesthood headed by the King at the helm and in control. From my personal understanding, the decline of Egypt was probably due to its own inability to foresee the winds of change and implement reforms that could have provided more Liberty to the mass. The Pharaoh and its bureaucracy was clearly benefiting from productivity of the laboring classes through direct taxation and price fixing. Had the Kings enabled the development of a private economy freed from State interference, the innovative sciences of the elite priesthood would have found practical uses in the daily life and armed with Nation with means for future challenges. I think that after 3500 years of toiling for the glory of the Amun's Son, the Fari, the people of Egypt just got tired of supporting their leaders and did not resist hard enough the invasions of foreign barbarians. Had these ingenius people been allowed to keep for themselves the fruits of their labors, I am certain that they would have fought much harder to push back the violent Eastern barbarians. This understanding, while quite imperfect can be applied to the current situation of the African people TODAY! The continent is clearly rich and blessed with a young dynamic population vying to improve its life. But, self centered African leadership does not understand that individual Freedom and private property as well as the reduction of a cumbersome bureaucracy are the central tenet for a prosperous and patriotic citizenry willing to die for its " country" when under attack. Individual freedom and the ability by a people to reap the fruit of their Labor is therefore central for the development of the continent of Africa. The central tenets of the " MA'AT" are much more richer for the appreciation of individual Liberty and private ownership! Let's therefore understand the past in order to avoid the errors of the ancient and build a future established on a better and improved foundation.

This book provides a very deep understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization. Absolutely, without a doubt worth the money.Filled in a lot of gaps after my recent trip across Egypt. Put everything I saw into the proper perspective.Must read to ‘ Know Thyself’

Theophile Obenga has been one of my favorite Egyptologists as of late. His method is different because rather than taking things that have been generally accepted as true in the community, he does his work from the ground up and ensures these things are true, as well as finding possible other explanations. He draws information from other communities and other countries in a way I haven't seen done before, and it's really interesting, He also speaks does his translations himself so you can ensure that they are based on his knowledge of the language and not just what the other Egyptologists have said.

This book is a gem to gain a foundational knowledge of the Kemetian Philosophical Universe during the time of the original African Pharaohs.

A masterpiece! Gives credence to the long debated topic of Africa as the true home of philosophy as we know it today.

If you are researching this period in history, this is an excellent read and reference

Wonderful book. I live it and all the information it brings.

Product is wonderful