Qin Shi Huang

First Emperor of China

Ancient influential 63 sayings

Sayings by Qin Shi Huang

Immortality is within my grasp. The elixirs will grant me eternal life, and I shall rule forever.

c. 210 BCE — Statements related to his obsession with immortality and the pursuit of elixirs.
Shocking Unverifiable

Let every thought that challenges my authority be extinguished, just as every book that promotes such thoughts shall be burned.

213 BCE — Further justification or decree regarding censorship and thought control.
Shocking Unverifiable

The common people are but instruments of the state. Their purpose is to serve the empire.

c. 220 BCE — A reflection of his authoritarian view of the populace.
Shocking Unverifiable

My tomb shall be a palace for the afterlife, a reflection of my earthly power, guarded by an army of clay.

c. 215 BCE — Statements regarding the construction of his mausoleum and the Terracotta Army.
Shocking Unverifiable

To be weak is to invite chaos. Strength is the only virtue.

c. 225 BCE — A philosophical statement on governance and power.
Shocking Unverifiable

I will not tolerate dissent. The unity of the empire depends on absolute obedience.

c. 220 BCE — A decree or statement on the importance of obedience.
Shocking Unverifiable

The past is dead. Only the present and the future matter, and both are shaped by my will.

c. 213 BCE — A statement emphasizing his break from tradition and control over the future.
Shocking Unverifiable

Let the roads be wide, the canals be deep, and the garrisons be strong. For a united empire is a secure empire.

c. 218 BCE — Statements related to his infrastructure projects and military strength.
Shocking Unverifiable

The gods themselves will marvel at the empire I have forged.

c. 221 BCE — A statement reflecting his grandiosity and self-perception.
Shocking Unverifiable

Those who question my divine right to rule will find only swift and decisive punishment.

c. 215 BCE — A threat or decree against those who challenge his authority.
Shocking Unverifiable

My word is law. My will is destiny.

c. 220 BCE — A concise statement of his absolute authority.
Shocking Unverifiable

The pursuit of knowledge is only valuable if it serves the state. Otherwise, it is a dangerous indulgence.

213 BCE — A statement on the utility of knowledge and his controlled approach to scholarship.
Shocking Unverifiable

Let the land be divided and measured, and let taxes be collected with precision. For the empire thrives on order.

c. 221 BCE — Statements related to his administrative reforms and taxation.
Shocking Unverifiable

I am the First Emperor. There will be no second, for my line shall endure forever.

c. 221 BCE — A declaration of his unique position and belief in his dynasty's perpetuity.
Shocking Unverifiable

Fear is a powerful tool. Let my enemies tremble.

c. 220 BCE — A statement on his use of fear to maintain control.
Shocking Unverifiable

The path to immortality is paved with the bones of those who doubt.

c. 210 BCE — A dark statement reflecting his ruthless pursuit of immortality.
Shocking Unverifiable

My empire is a single, unbreakable entity. Any attempt to fracture it will be met with overwhelming force.

c. 220 BCE — A warning against rebellion or separatism.
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Let the memory of the Warring States be erased. Only the glory of the Qin Dynasty shall remain.

c. 213 BCE — A statement emphasizing his desire to blot out the past and highlight his own reign.
Shocking Unverifiable

The heavens have chosen me. My mandate is undeniable.

c. 221 BCE — A declaration of his divine right to rule.
Shocking Unverifiable

I will build a new capital, grander than any before, a symbol of my absolute power.

c. 220 BCE — Statement regarding the construction of his capital, Xianyang.
Shocking Unverifiable