Charlemagne

Holy Roman Emperor

Medieval influential 56 sayings

Sayings by Charlemagne

Take care that none of them escapes.

c. 880-887 (recorded) — Referring to conspirators against Pope Leo III
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Take care that none of them escapes.

c. 880-887 (recorded) — Referring to conspirators against Pope Leo III
Strange & Unusual Disputed

I could not dispense with their society.

c. 817-830 (recorded) — His stated reason for keeping his daughters unmarried, as reported by Einhard in 'The Life of Charle…
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I could not dispense with their society.

c. 817-830 (recorded) — His stated reason for keeping his daughters unmarried, as reported by Einhard in 'The Life of Charle…
Strange & Unusual Disputed

To have another tongue is to have another soul.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting his interest in language and culture.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Right action is better than knowledge; but in order to do what is right, we must know what is right.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting his emphasis on both learning and practical governance.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Let us educate our children to be wise and strong, for in them lies the future of our empire.

c. 790 — General sentiment attributed to his reforms in education, though the exact wording may vary in trans…
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The strength of a king is the loyalty of his people.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting his political philosophy.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Every man has two souls, one to be saved and one to be damned.

c. 800 — A more unusual and stark theological statement attributed to him.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us cultivate peace, for that is the greatest victory.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, despite his numerous military campaigns.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a Frank, but I love the Latin tongue.

c. 790 — Reflecting his embrace of Roman culture and learning.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Knowledge is a powerful weapon; use it wisely.

c. 790 — General sentiment attributed to his promotion of education.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Better to die with honor than to live in shame.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting a warrior's code.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The study of letters is a noble pursuit, and worthy of our attention.

c. 780 — From a capitulary or other official document promoting education.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

God grant that I may always have a good cook.

c. 800 — A more personal and mundane remark attributed to him, showing a human side.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let every man learn to read and write, that he may understand the divine scriptures.

c. 789 — From a capitulary, emphasizing literacy for religious understanding.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest joy of a king is to see his people prosper.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting his paternalistic view of kingship.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have sought to govern with justice and mercy, as God has commanded.

c. 800 — From a letter or official statement, expressing his sense of divine mandate.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us strive for unity, for in unity there is strength.

c. 790 — General sentiment attributed to his efforts to consolidate his empire.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The mind of man is like a fertile field; if you plant good seeds, you will reap a good harvest.

c. 790 — Attributed saying, reflecting his belief in the power of education.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable