How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Why are the scales broken?" I asked. Anubis frowned. "Ma'at is weakening. I've tried to fix them, but…" He spread his hands helplessly. (28.97-98)
The Hall of Judgment, the place all souls are supposed to pass through after death, is not fully functional, because Ma'at is weakening. That's a pretty strong indication that order is at the center of the universe, eh?
Quote #2
"Any language will work, but hieroglyphics are best. They are the language of creation, of magic, of Ma'at." (16.55)
It's interesting to consider that one language—Egyptian hieroglyphics—is more closely linked to order and to magic than any other language. Does this mean that magic and creation are also closely linked to order? How?
Quote #3
"Be careful, Carter," Bast warned. "Ma'at, the order of creation, hinges on loyalty to the rightful king. If you question it, you'll fall under the influence of chaos." I felt so frustrated, I wanted to break something. I wanted to yell that order didn't seem much better than chaos if you had to get yourself killed for it. (26.80-81)
It seems like order comes with a high price: unquestioning loyalty, and sometimes the risk of doing your duty even if it kills you. Even Bast is defending order to Carter, despite the fact that following Ra's command to fight Apophis almost destroyed her for all eternity. Doing good can be difficult; it often requires selflessness and sacrifice.