Charlemagne

Holy Roman Emperor

Medieval influential 56 sayings

Sayings by Charlemagne

The wise man knows his own limitations.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting humility and self-awareness.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am crowned by God, not by man.

800 — Reflecting his belief in divine right to rule, especially after his imperial coronation.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us protect the poor and the weak, for they are our brethren.

c. 790 — From a capitulary, emphasizing Christian charity and social responsibility.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest wealth is health.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, a common proverb, but reflecting a practical concern.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us learn from our mistakes, for they are our greatest teachers.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting a pragmatic approach to governance.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have loved justice above all things.

c. 810 — From a letter or official statement, expressing his commitment to justice.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us not stray from the path of righteousness, for it leads to eternal life.

c. 790 — From a capitulary or other official pronouncement, emphasizing religious adherence.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest treasure is a clear conscience.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting a moralistic perspective.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I desire that all my subjects, both men and women, should be learned.

c. 780 — From a capitulary, showing a surprising breadth of educational ambition for the time.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us remember that all power comes from God.

c. 800 — From a letter or official statement, reinforcing the divine source of his authority.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The strong must protect the weak, and the wise must guide the foolish.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting his view of social order and leadership.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us wage war against ignorance, for it is the greatest enemy.

c. 790 — A metaphorical statement, equating ignorance with a foe to be conquered through education.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

My greatest desire is to restore the Roman Empire.

c. 800 — Reflecting his ambition and the historical context of his imperial coronation.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

To have another language is to possess a second soul.

800 — Attributed in chronicles
Controversial Unverifiable

Let my armies be the rocks and the trees and the birds in the sky.

800 — Attributed in chronicles
Controversial Unverifiable

I will not have in my kingdom any man who is not my friend.

800 — Attributed in chronicles
Controversial Unverifiable

The sword and the cross are inseparable.

800 — Attributed in chronicles
Controversial Unverifiable

The sword is the key of heaven and hell.

800 — Attributed in chronicles
Controversial Unverifiable