From a craft point of view, I understand this wasn’t meant for anyones eyes but his own, but as far as constructing a functional rhetoric it’s pretty ineffective, not to mention repetitive and circuitous; which seems a weird design of something to guide a decision making progress? Aside from structural issues the prose work is fine (and I like that a tenant is speaking plainly).

It’s primary interest is from a sociological standpoint, at least for me. Because, in so far as actually using this original self-help text, it’s the exact same advice you’d find in any one of those, only it’s more obtuse because it’s removed from contemporary times, to say the least. Also: some of the fundamental assertions of the initial standpoint with which to start applying the “rules” (Jordan Peterson barf), is from an immense position of privilege. The ownership of slaves is normalized and expected. Nature and the gods are not remotely squared, and, you know, it places some men above others in a puritanical way while hand waving morality and other such concerns by either the natural order or divine providence/organization. It also is sort of the original formula for reframing arguments away from marginalized people to suit yourself, rather than the disenfranchised.

Perhaps it’s fun to spot the logical fallacy for some. Other, “good” advice is relatable and absorbed into popular culture already. The actual interest is just in that it’s a glimpse into the time period of a famous person, combining the celebrity memoir with self-help aspects. It’s not anything more than that though. I wasn’t enamoured with the writing even, though that might be down to translation, who knows. I can see why dude bros love it. Live and love and do good and be good like an emperor. Remember to be swell to your slave and honour your magic system!