The Vanity Theme and Critical Wisdom in Mesopotamian Literature.

  • Published In: Altorientalische Forschungen (0232-8461), 2023, v. 50, n. 2. P. 237 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Viano, Maurizio 3 of 3

Abstract

The heading "vanity theme" has been attributed to various Sumerian and Akkadian literary compositions that would represent a form of wisdom critical of traditional values. The present article revises those compositions arguing that they do not propound a critical view of traditional wisdom but simply reflect on the finitude of human nature. Critical wisdom only surfaces in a limited number of compositions mostly attested in Middle Babylonian sources. The vanity theme is not only tied to critical views of traditional values but is a flexible literary motif that was adapted to different contexts and compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:Altorientalische Forschungen (0232-8461). 2023/11, Vol. 50, Issue 2, p237
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Religion and Philosophy
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:0232-8461
  • DOI:10.1515/aofo-2023-0016
  • Accession Number:174039849
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Altorientalische Forschungen (0232-8461) is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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