Akhenaten quotes

Akhenaten was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh from the 18th Dynasty, most famous for attempting radical religious reforms. His rule is marked by the promotion of the sun god Aten and the establishment of a new capital at Akhetaten (modern Amarna). He remains a controversial figure for his unconventional policies and dramatic changes to Egyptian society. Here are 14 of his quotes:

To be satisfied with a little, is the greatest wisdom; and he that increaseth his riches, increaseth his cares; but a contented mind is a hidden treasure, and trouble findeth it not.

Akhenaten

When virtue and modesty enlighten her charms, the lustre of a beautiful woman is brighter than the stars of heaven, and the influence of her power it is in vain to resist.

Akhenaten

Those who gave thee a body, furnished it with weakness; but He who gave thee Soul, armed thee with resolution. Employ it, and thou art wise; be wise and thou art happy.

Akhenaten

O sole god, like whom there is no other!

Akhenaten

Thou bringest forth as thou desirest To maintain the people According as thou madest them for thyself, The lord of all of them, wearying with them, The lord of every land, rising for them, The Aton of the day, great of majesty.

Akhenaten

How manifold it is, what thou hast made!

Akhenaten

Honor is the inner garment of the Soul; the first thing put on by it with the flesh, and the last it layeth down at its separation from it.

Akhenaten

The lips of the wise are as the doors of a cabinet; no sooner are they opened, but treasures are poured out before thee.

Akhenaten

Be thou incapable of change in that which is right, and men will rely upon thee. Establish unto thyself principles of action; and see that thou ever act according to them. First know that thy principles are just, and then be thou.

Akhenaten

Indulge not thyself in the passion of anger; it is whetting a sword to wound thine own breast, or murder thy friend.

Akhenaten

Everyone has his food, and his time of life is reckoned. Their tongues are separate in speech, And their natures as well; Their skins are distinguished, As thou distinguishest the foreign peoples. Thou makest a Nile in the underworld, Thou bringest forth as thou desirest To maintain the people According as thou madest them for thyself, The lord of all of them, wearying with them, The lord of every land, rising for them, The Aton of the day, great of majesty.

Akhenaten

How manifold it is, what thou hast made! They are hidden from the face. O sole god, like whom there is no other! Thou didst create the world according to thy desire, Whilst thou wert alone: All men, cattle, and wild beasts, Whatever is on earth, going upon feet, And what is on high, flying with its wings.

Akhenaten