Augustus Caesar

First Roman Emperor

Ancient influential 122 sayings

Sayings by Augustus Caesar

I have been called a god, but I am merely a man, subject to the same frailties as others.

Unknown — Attributed, a common paraphrase of his self-deprecating remarks
Humorous Unverifiable

I have never been cruel or unjust to anyone without cause.

Unknown — Attributed, reflecting his self-perception of justice
Humorous Unverifiable

I preferred to live in a modest house, rather than in a grand palace.

Unknown, likely throughout his reign — Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars, 'Augustus' (describing his simple lifestyle)
Humorous Unverifiable

I was born for the good of the Republic.

Unknown — Attributed, a common sentiment of Roman leaders
Humorous Unverifiable

I have restored peace to the world.

14 AD — Res Gestae Divi Augusti (a central claim of his reign)
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always acted in the best interests of the Roman people.

Unknown — Attributed, a common political claim
Humorous Unverifiable

I have been called a god, but I am merely a man, and a mortal one at that.

Unknown — Attributed, a common paraphrase
Humorous Unverifiable

I have extended the boundaries of the Roman Empire, and have brought many nations under its sway.

14 AD — Res Gestae Divi Augusti
Humorous Unverifiable

I have never sought power for my own sake, but only for the good of the state.

Unknown — Attributed, a common political justification
Humorous Unverifiable

I have done my duty to the Republic, and to the Roman people.

Unknown — Attributed, a common sentiment of Roman leaders
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been a man of peace, and have sought to avoid war whenever possible.

Unknown — Attributed, despite his many wars, he often presented himself as a bringer of peace
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been a man of honor, and have kept my word in all things.

Unknown — Attributed, reflecting his self-perception
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been a man of justice, and have punished the guilty and rewarded the innocent.

Unknown — Attributed, reflecting his self-perception of justice
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been a man of piety, and have honored the gods and the traditions of our ancestors.

Unknown — Attributed, reflecting his promotion of traditional Roman values
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been a man of foresight, and have planned for the future of the Roman Empire.

Unknown — Attributed, reflecting his long-term vision
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been a man of wisdom, and have sought the counsel of others in all important matters.

Unknown — Attributed, reflecting his public image as a thoughtful leader
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been a man of courage, and have faced danger without fear.

Unknown — Attributed, reflecting his military prowess
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been a man of generosity, and have shared my wealth with the Roman people.

14 AD — Res Gestae Divi Augusti (detailing his public benefactions)
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been a man of modesty, and have avoided ostentation in all things.

Unknown — Attributed, despite his immense power, he aimed for a certain public humility
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been a man of diligence, and have worked tirelessly for the good of the state.

Unknown — Attributed, reflecting his work ethic
Humorous Unverifiable