Counsels of a Pessimist

The Counsels of a Pessimist is a fragment of Akkadian wisdom literature from the library of the seventh century BC King Assurbanipal.

Contents

The text begins with several affirmations on the futility of human existence. Then it includes advice on piety, diligence, and taking care of one’s livestock and family. The final lines explain how to deal with the fear produced by nightmares. The overarching theme seems to be the necessity of overcoming depression and dealing with distressing thoughts.

References

  1. ↑ "Counsels of a Pessimist — The Bible Restored". thebiblerestored.com. Retrieved 2026-09-19.
  2. ↑ Keefer, Arthur, ed. (2022), "Suffering and Meaning in Mesopotamian Literature", Ecclesiastes and the Meaning of Life in the Ancient World, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 57–77, doi:10.1017/9781009110082.004, ISBN 978-1-009-10025-0, retrieved 2026-09-19{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  3. ↑ Samet, Nili (2020-01-01). "Mesopotamian Wisdom". The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Wisdom Literature.