Portrait of Charlemagne

Charlemagne

Holy Roman Emperor

Medieval influential 56 sayings

Sayings by Charlemagne

Take care that none of them escapes.

c. 880-887 (recorded) — Referring to conspirators against Pope Leo III
Wisdom Unverifiable

Take care that none of them escapes.

c. 880-887 (recorded) — Referring to conspirators against Pope Leo III
Wisdom Disputed

I could not dispense with their society.

c. 817-830 (recorded) — His stated reason for keeping his daughters unmarried, as reported by Einhard in 'The Life of Charle…
Wisdom Unverifiable

I could not dispense with their society.

c. 817-830 (recorded) — His stated reason for keeping his daughters unmarried, as reported by Einhard in 'The Life of Charle…
Wisdom Disputed

To have another tongue is to have another soul.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting his interest in language and culture.
Biblical Unverifiable

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

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting his emphasis on both learning and practical governance.
Educational Confirmed

Let us educate our children to be wise and strong, for in them lies the future of our empire.

c. 790 — General sentiment attributed to his reforms in education, though the exact wording may vary in trans…
Power & Leadership Unverifiable

The strength of a king is the loyalty of his people.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting his political philosophy.
Inspirational Unverifiable

Every man has two souls, one to be saved and one to be damned.

c. 800 — A more unusual and stark theological statement attributed to him.
Biblical Unverifiable

Let us cultivate peace, for that is the greatest victory.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, despite his numerous military campaigns.
War & Conflict Unverifiable

I am a Frank, but I love the Latin tongue.

c. 790 — Reflecting his embrace of Roman culture and learning.
Love & Relationships Unverifiable

Knowledge is a powerful weapon; use it wisely.

c. 790 — General sentiment attributed to his promotion of education.
Educational Unverifiable

Better to die with honor than to live in shame.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting a warrior's code.
Life & Death Unverifiable

The study of letters is a noble pursuit, and worthy of our attention.

c. 780 — From a capitulary or other official document promoting education.
Educational Unverifiable

God grant that I may always have a good cook.

c. 800 — A more personal and mundane remark attributed to him, showing a human side.
Biblical Unverifiable

Let every man learn to read and write, that he may understand the divine scriptures.

c. 789 — From a capitulary, emphasizing literacy for religious understanding.
Biblical Unverifiable

The greatest joy of a king is to see his people prosper.

c. 800 — Attributed saying, reflecting his paternalistic view of kingship.
Power & Leadership Unverifiable

I have sought to govern with justice and mercy, as God has commanded.

c. 800 — From a letter or official statement, expressing his sense of divine mandate.
Biblical Unverifiable

Let us strive for unity, for in unity there is strength.

c. 790 — General sentiment attributed to his efforts to consolidate his empire.
Inspirational Unverifiable

The mind of man is like a fertile field; if you plant good seeds, you will reap a good harvest.

c. 790 — Attributed saying, reflecting his belief in the power of education.
Wisdom Unverifiable
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