This is a Sumerian wisdom text by Nig-Nam Nu-Kal, exploring themes of meaninglessness. It is notable for its early philosophical pessimism and existential reflections.
Sources for Nig-Nam Nu-Kal — "Nothing is of Value" (Sumerian)
Nig-Nam Nu-Kal — "Nothing is of Value" (Sumerian) in Wisdom Literature
Held in the Wisdom Literature chamber of the Babel Nexus Index.
- Maxims of Ptahhotep (Egyptian) (−2400)
- The Instructions of Shuruppak (Sumerian) (−2600)
- Instructions of Amenemhat (Egyptian) (−1900)
- Disputations or Literary Debates (Sumerian) (−2000)
- The Poem of the Righteous Sufferer (Ludlul bēl nēmeqi, Babylonian) (−1300)
- The Story of Aḥikar (Aramaic) (−500)
- Counsels of Wisdom (Babylonian) (−1000)
- Dialogue of Pessimism (Babylonian — "Nothing Is Of Value") (−1000)
- Instructions of Šūpê-amēli (Akkadian) (−1100)
- Instructions of Kagemni (Egyptian) (−2300)
- Maxims of Ali ibn Abi Talib (c. 660)