12 Quotes by Cyrus the Great

You cannot be buried in obscurity: you are exposed upon a grand theater to the view of the world. If your actions are upright and benevolent, be assured they will augment your power and happiness.

All men have their frailties; and whoever looks for a friend without imperfections, will never find what he seeks.

We love ourselves notwithstanding our faults, and we ought to love our friends in like manner.

I am Cyrus, king of the world...

Even if the skies were shorter than my knees, I would not kneel.

Diversity in counsel, unity in command.

A man’s enjoyment of all good things is in exact proportion to the pains he has undergone to gain them.

Whenever you can, act as a liberator. Freedom, dignity, wealth – these three together constitute the greatest happiness of humanity. If you bequeath all three to your people, their love for you will never die.

O man, whoever you are and wherever you come from, for I know you will come, I am Cyrus who won the Persians their empire. Do not therefore begrudge me this bit of earth that covers my bones.