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Primary Source: A Sumerian Father Gives Advice to his Son
The text below was written by a Sumerian father to his son about 2300 BCE.


My son, let me give you instructions.
Pay attention to them!
Do not beat a farmer’s son, or he will break your irrigation canal.
Do not break into a house.
Do not speak with a girl when you are married, the likelihood of slander is strong.
Do not allow your sheep to graze in untested grounds.
Submit to strength. Bow down to the mighty man.