"I consider the welfare of all to be my duty, and the root of this is exertion and the prompt dispatch of business."

"I have had this Dhamma edict written so that my sons and grandsons and great-grandsons may follow it and live according to it. And this is for the welfare and happiness of all people."

"I have had this inscription of Dharma engraved in order that my sons and great-grandsons may not consider making new conquests, or that if military conquests are made, that they be done with forbearan…"

"The Beloved of the Gods, King Piyadasi, speaks thus: The people of the unconquered territories beyond the borders might think: 'What does the king desire with regard to us?'"

"The Beloved of the Gods, King Piyadasi, speaks thus: The slaughter, death, and deportation of people is extremely painful to the Beloved of the Gods."