Genghis Khan

Statesmanship Mongolia 1162 – 1227 99 quotes

Founder of the Mongol Empire whose conquests created the largest contiguous empire in history.

Quotes by Genghis Khan

I am the storm of God.

Historical accounts

The world will tremble before me.

Historical accounts

I am the fire of God.

Historical accounts

The Mongol nation will endure forever.

Historical accounts

I am the hand of God.

Historical accounts

The world is my inheritance.

Historical accounts

I am the voice of God.

Historical accounts

The Mongol Empire will never fall.

Historical accounts

I am the chosen of God.

Historical accounts

The world belongs to the Mongols.

Historical accounts

If you're afraid of wolves, don't go into the forest.

Historical attribution

Conquering the world on horseback is easy; it is dismounting and governing that is hard.

Oral tradition 1220

I am the punishment of God. If you had not committed great sins, God would not have sent a punishment like me upon you.

Letter to Muhammad II 1218

A man's true wealth is his knowledge.

Attributed saying

All who surrender will be spared; whoever does not surrender but opposes resistance, shall be annihilated.

Military decree 1211

There is no value in anything until it is finished.

The Secret History of the Mongols

The greatest happiness is to vanquish your enemies, to chase them before you, to rob them of their wealth, to see those dear to them bathed in tears, to clasp to your bosom their wives and daughters.

Attributed aphorism

I offer you the restoration of your kingdom in return for our friendship, if however you prefer to be my enemy, I shall destroy you.

Diplomatic letter 1206

One arrow is easily broken, but not ten in a bundle.

Famous saying

It is not sufficient that I succeed - all others must fail.

Attributed remark