/lit/ - Literature

>>17541899
>Possessions are flying birds -- they never find a place to settle.
>A heart never created hatred; speech created hatred.
>He who does not support a wife, he who does not support a child, has no cause for celebration.
>Fate is a dog, well able to bite.
>Fate is a raging storm blowing over the Land.
>Tell a lie and then tell the truth: it will be considered a lie.
>Hand added to hand, and a man's house is built up.
>A hand will stretch out towards an outstretched hand. A hand will open for an opened hand.
>As long as you live you should not increase evil by telling lies; for if you do, to succumb will be your lot.
>Weighing scales made with sinews are a trap made for the feet; a man should not take a merchant for his friend.
>He who insults is insulted. He who sneers is sneered at.
>A good word is a friend to numerous men.
>When present, it was considered a loincloth; when lost, it is considered fine clothing.
>When righteousness is cut off, injustice is increased.
>The lion who lives a life of compassion will receive it.
>A man raising his hand in anger does not see clearly.
>Whatever the man in authority said, it was not pleasant.
>Whatever the man in authority said, it was not right.
>Ignoramuses are numerous in the palace.
>Oh Utu, you are my judge: pronounce my judgement! You are my decision-maker, decide my case! The dream that I have seen -- turn it into a favourable one! Let me walk straight, so that I can catch up with my companion!
>That my friend should be well is our wish, and that our enemies should be gone! May those friendly to you reach their goal as a ship does a friendly harbour! May your enemy, like the flood waters of a river, return to his city.
>A loving heart builds houses. A hating heart destroys houses.
>Let the favour be repaid to him who repays a favour.
>To take revenge is an abomination to Ninurta.
>When a trustworthy boat sets sail, Utu seeks out a trustworthy harbour for it.
>The rich man's heart is sick, it is very sick indeed.
>Talking endlessly is what humankind has most on its mind.
>By following craftiness, one learns how to be crafty. By following wisdom, one learns how to be wise.

>>16957978
>Does anyone here study ancient or dead languages?
Akkadian and Sumerian.

>>14685561
>language(s) learned/being learned?
Akkadian
>what authors have you read or do you plan to read in that language?
Mostly literary texts/ancient commentaries on literature
>has it been worth learning so far? has the literary payoff been worth the effort?
Yes.
>any advice for others who want to learn that language?
Learn something less autistic, like Ancient Greek or Sanskrit.

I saw Sargon of Akkad at the ziggurat in Uruk yesterday. I told him how cool it was to meet him in person, but I didn’t want to be a douche and bother him and ask him for an impression of his royal seal or anything.

He said, “Oh, like you’re doing now?”

I was taken aback, and all I could say was “Huh?” but he kept cutting me off and going “huh? huh? huh?” and closing his hand shut in front of my face. I walked away and continued with my shopping, and I heard him chuckle as I walked off. When I came to pay for my stuff up front I saw him trying to walk out the doors with like fifteen pomegranates in his hands without paying.

The eunuch at the counter was very nice about it and professional, and was like “Sir, you need to pay for those first.” At first he kept pretending to be tired and not hear it, but eventually turned back around and brought them to the counter.

When the eunuch took one of the pomegranates and started weighing them, he stopped it and told it to weigh them each individually “to prevent Marduk's infetterence,” and then turned around and winked at me. I don’t even think that’s a word. After she scanned each pomegranate and put them in a bag and started to say the price, he kept interrupting her by yawning really loudly.