As the title asks, is EA Wallis Budge a thief? According to Egyptians, he is one because he stole Egyptian artifacts. However, he purchased it on the black market in Egypt and preserved the artifacts, which is something the Egyptians failed to do. What do you guys think about him? Do you find him to be a thief or a great historian?
I think we need more of the story, like what are his intentions with the artifacts? If he hordes them away, thief, if they go in a museum, historian.
Basically what he did was purchase Egygptian artifacts from a black market in Egypt. The Egyptian museums did not preserve the artifacts and didn't take care of them, so he purchased the items, deciphered the hieroglyphics and wrote a translation book of the Book of the Dead, which is the most famous scroll in Egypt. Many Egyptians have said that he's a thief because the government stated that the artifacts were not to be sold but he found them and purchased them. He didn't sell them as profit, instead preserved them as stated and wanted to find out about Egyptian history. The way I look at it is, he did purchase them illegally but they were out there and he took a chance on it. He also took care of it and helped Egyptians learn about their culture in the early years. He published a translation of the Book of the Dead in 1890 I think and the Book of the Dead also has helped shape the Bible.
This quote comes to mind "What man is a man who does not make the world a better place." - Kingdom of Heaven. Or even better "We laugh at honour and are shocked to find traitors in our midst." C.S.L. While I'm sure he had many reasons to do what he did he also did a good thing which the Egyptians did not.
To live in the world without becoming aware of the meaning of the world is like wandering about in a great library without touching the books. —The Secret Teachings of All Ages http://www.sacred-texts.com/eso/sta/
Its a very, very, well detailed account of so many interesting Physical science and metaphysical science areas that I too am fascinated. Lots to digest, and read and re-read to fully comprehend. Glad you get a chance to enjoy it too.
Actions are about intent. He had good intent IMO he gets a from me On an aside the book of the dead is interesting if anyone wants a PDF copy I'm sure I can dig it up. edit: http://www.sacred-texts.com has it and http://www.sacred-texts.com/egy/ebod/index.htm there it is. ps you posted something that wasn't about sports
