Charlemagne

Statesmanship Francia 742 – 814 51 quotes

King who unified Western Europe and promoted learning and Christian unity.

Quotes by Charlemagne

Let my lords consider how I, by the mercy of God, having conquered the whole kingdom of the Lombards, have given it to the holy Roman church.

Letter to Pope Hadrian 774

To have another language is to possess a second soul.

Attributed

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

Attributed

If you wish to be a great prince, you must first become a little child.

Attributed

The love of learning, the sequestered nooks, and all the sweet serenity of books.

Attributed via Einhard

I am convinced that we, as educated men, must do everything possible to maintain the light of learning.

Admonitio Generalis 802

Let there be schools in every bishopric and monastery to teach the boys.

Epistola de Litteris Colendis 789

Knowledge is power, but wisdom is the true ruler.

Attributed

A king is he who rules his own passions before ruling others.

Attributed

Unity is the strength of the empire; division its death.

Imperial Coronation Speech 800

The sword is the axis of the world, and greatness is in proportion to one's skill in wielding it.

Attributed

I have labored to bring peace to my realms, not war.

Deathbed reflection via Einhard 814

Educate the youth, for in them lies the future of the realm.

Carolingian Capitularies 789

Justice without mercy is tyranny; mercy without justice is weakness.

Attributed

The church and the state must walk hand in hand for the good of all.

Letter to the Pope 775

True nobility is in the soul, not in the blood.

Attributed

I seek not gold, but the glory of God and the welfare of my people.

Diplomatic Correspondence 781

A wise ruler listens more than he speaks.

Attributed

The arts flourish where peace reigns.

Palace School Directive 796

Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.

Attributed