Qin Shi Huang

First Emperor of China

Ancient influential 63 sayings

Sayings by Qin Shi Huang

Loyalty is the highest virtue. Disloyalty is the greatest sin.

c. 220 BCE — A statement on his expectations of his subjects.
Shocking Unverifiable

The world is mine to reshape. Those who resist will be broken.

c. 225 BCE — A declaration of his transformative ambition and ruthless intent.
Shocking Unverifiable

Let the sages of old be forgotten. I am the new sage, the giver of law.

213 BCE — A statement rejecting traditional wisdom in favor of his own authority.
Shocking Unverifiable

No man shall question my decisions. For my decisions are flawless.

c. 218 BCE — A statement reflecting his belief in his own infallibility.
Shocking Unverifiable

My army is invincible. My will is unbreakable.

c. 221 BCE — A declaration of his military might and personal resolve.
Shocking Unverifiable

Let the waters flow where I command, and the mountains be moved if I so decree.

c. 215 BCE — A statement reflecting his desire to control nature and undertake massive projects.
Shocking Unverifiable

The pursuit of pleasure is for the weak. The pursuit of power is for the strong.

c. 225 BCE — A philosophical statement on his values.
Shocking Unverifiable

I am the sun, and all under heaven revolves around me.

c. 220 BCE — A highly egocentric statement, comparing himself to the sun.
Shocking Unverifiable

Let no man speak ill of my ancestors, for their blood flows in my veins, and their glory is mine.

c. 221 BCE — A statement defending his lineage and asserting his connection to past power.
Shocking Unverifiable

The only good rebel is a dead rebel.

c. 212 BCE — A ruthless statement on how he dealt with opposition.
Shocking Unverifiable

My empire is a machine, and I am its engineer. Every part must function perfectly.

c. 218 BCE — A metaphor for his highly organized and controlled state.
Shocking Unverifiable

Silence is the sound of obedience. Noise is the sound of chaos.

c. 213 BCE — A statement on his preference for order and control over free expression.
Shocking Unverifiable

Let the records of the past be rewritten to reflect the truth of my reign.

c. 213 BCE — A statement indicating his desire to control historical narratives.
Shocking Unverifiable

The greatest glory is to create what has never been created before.

c. 220 BCE — A statement reflecting his ambition for innovation and unique achievements.
Shocking Unverifiable

My will is the will of heaven.

c. 221 BCE — A direct assertion of his divine mandate.
Shocking Unverifiable

Let the rich contribute to the glory of the empire, and the poor serve with their labor.

c. 218 BCE — A statement on his expectations for different social classes.
Shocking Unverifiable

I am the beginning, not the end.

c. 221 BCE — A statement emphasizing his foundational role and belief in his lasting legacy.
Shocking Unverifiable

No foreign power shall ever threaten my domain. The Great Wall is my promise.

c. 214 BCE — A statement linking the Great Wall to the security of his empire.
Shocking Unverifiable

The wise man follows my decree; the fool resists and perishes.

c. 215 BCE — A statement contrasting obedience with resistance and its consequences.
Shocking Unverifiable

My justice is swift and absolute.

c. 220 BCE — A statement on the nature of his legal system and punishments.
Shocking Unverifiable