"In Egypt, the living were subordinate to the dead"

This quote is describing the old Egyptian idea that the dead were to be appreciated and also honored. This belief was so solid that the living were expected to be subservient to the dead. This suggested that the living were expected to lionize and reverence to the dead, and to ensure that their tombs as well as monoliths were maintained in good condition. This was done out of respect for the dead, and also to ensure that their spirits were maintained tranquility. This idea was so strong that it was even composed into the laws of the land, with penalties for those that fell short to reveal correct regard to the dead. This quote is a pointer of the relevance of honoring the dead in old Egyptian culture.