Akbar the Great

Mughal Emperor, religious tolerance

Early Modern influential 15 sayings

Sayings by Akbar the Great

It cannot be wisdom to assert the truth of one faith over another. In our troubled world so full of contradictions, the wise person makes justice his guide and learns from all.

16th century (approx. 1556-1605) — A statement reflecting his philosophy of religious tolerance and universalism.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It cannot be wisdom to assert the truth of one faith over another. In our troubled world so full of contradictions, the wise person makes justice his guide and learns from all.

16th century (approx. 1556-1605) — A statement reflecting his philosophy of religious tolerance and universalism.
Strange & Unusual Disputed

Drop the sword - for there is but one flesh to wound, and it is the one flesh of all humankind.

16th century (approx. 1556-1605) — A statement advocating for peace and human unity.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Drop the sword - for there is but one flesh to wound, and it is the one flesh of all humankind.

16th century (approx. 1556-1605) — A statement advocating for peace and human unity.
Strange & Unusual Disputed

Life's burdens are lighter when I laugh at myself.

16th century (approx. 1556-1605) — A personal reflection on self-humor.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Life's burdens are lighter when I laugh at myself.

16th century (approx. 1556-1605) — A personal reflection on self-humor.
Strange & Unusual Disputed

The vulgar believe in miracles, but the wise man accepts nothing without adequate proof.

16th century (approx. 1556-1605) — A statement on skepticism and the pursuit of proof.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The vulgar believe in miracles, but the wise man accepts nothing without adequate proof.

16th century (approx. 1556-1605) — A statement on skepticism and the pursuit of proof.
Strange & Unusual Disputed

Most worshippers of God are intent on the advancement of their own desires, not on His worship.

16th century (approx. 1556-1605) — A critical observation on religious motivations.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Most worshippers of God are intent on the advancement of their own desires, not on His worship.

16th century (approx. 1556-1605) — A critical observation on religious motivations.
Strange & Unusual Disputed

A monarch should ever be intent on conquest, otherwise his neighbors rise in arms against him.

Late 16th century — Advice to his son, Prince Salim (later Jahangir)
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Why should I persecute those who are equally the creatures of God?

Late 16th century — On religious tolerance
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The wisdom of the learned is like a deep well, but the wisdom of the common people is like a running stream.

Late 16th century — On governance and wisdom
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have seen many men with long beards and little brains.

Late 16th century — On judging people by appearances
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Four things are necessary for a king: (1) a good spy system, (2) plenty of money, (3) a well-equipped army, and (4) wise counselors.

Late 16th century — On kingship
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A man should not be judged by his faith but by his actions.

Late 16th century — On religious tolerance
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If I were not a king, I would be a fakir.

Late 16th century — Reflecting on simplicity
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The sword of justice has no sheath.

Late 16th century — On ruling fairly
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A kingdom can be conquered on horseback, but it cannot be ruled from horseback.

Late 16th century — On governance
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The best way to keep a secret is to pretend there isn’t one.

Late 16th century — On statecraft
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable