Throughout history there have been many written works and documents that have shed light on the various ideas and values that characterize the Western tradition. Such works focused on the great ideas that have helped in shaping the Western heritage. Some of these documents that "capture the characteristic outlook of an age and that provide a sense of movement and development of Western history" include The Epic of Gilgamesh, The Code of Hammurabi, Genesis, Job, the Ten Commandments, and Amos.
The Epic of Gilgamesh, often referred to as "the greatest work of Mesopotamian literature" was written on or around 2000 B.C. It is the story of Gilgamesh, a historical figure who was half man and half god and his quest for immortality. There are two profound themes included in the story: the human protest with death and the reality of death. This protest can clearly be seen in reading The Epic of Gilgamesh when Gilgamesh is weeping for his beloved friend Enkidu whom has lost his life.
The upper part of the stela of Hammurapis' code of...
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Code of laws of HammurabiAs Gilgamesh is speaking to Siduri, a divine winemaker, he says, "Enkidu, my brother, whom I loved, the end of mortality has overtaken him. I wept for him seven days and nights till the worm fastened on him. Because of my brother I am afraid of death, because of my brother I stray through the wilderness and cannot rest. But now, young woman, maker of wine, since I have seen your face do not let me see the face of death which I dread so much." Siduri responds to Gilgamesh informing him that death is universal and a reality that every man must face by telling him, "Gilgamesh, where are you hurrying to? You will never find that life for which you are looking." His reality is reassured by Utnapishtim, "There is no...