Self-education: "Hieroglyphics turn prisoner away from a life of crime"

[kubiac]

Thought you guys might enjoy this story about a convict who devoted himself to the study of hieroglyphics and translates ancient Egyptian texts for fun:

 

http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-hieroglyphics-prisoner-20120314,0,553203.story

Hieroglyphics turn prisoner away from a life of crime

 

"Using the cartons from his allotment of morning milk, Fenstermacher would make flashcards, each bearing a single hieroglyph — four a day for a decade. He read the cards while he worked out, forcing himself to get five right before switching exercises."

 

"She recalls Fenstermacher asking for a copy of the Pyramid Text spells, essentially magic spells, on the west wall of the pyramid of Pepi I's burial chamber. 'He would translate these texts himself and then compare his translations to those of other Egyptologists,' she said. 'He would then send us his translations. I have to say that they weren't at all bad.' "

 

"Recently, he sent letters to family and friends containing an elegant translation of the 14th century BC 'Hymn to Amen and Aten,' written originally by Suty and Hor, 'overseers of the works at Thebes in the reign of Amenhotep III.' The work included his own rendition of the original hieroglyphics and copious notes about how he translated certain phrases."

[stripe]

Fantastic!

[SunD]

Stripe, I was going to use the same word!

 

Good for him! I'm glad he found an intellectual outlet. I can't believe his former guardian said he was "wasting his time" ... gee, what productive activity are you supposed to be pursuing in solitary confinement?

 

I hope he does find a way to go to school.