1.
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.
Cyrus the Great
2.
Even if the skies were shorter than my knees, I would not kneel.
Cyrus the Great
Even if the heavens were more diminutive than my legs, I would not bend.
3.
A man's enjoyment of all good things is in exact proportion to the pains he has undergone to gain them.
Cyrus the Great
One's gratification of the finer things in life is commensurate with the effort expended to acquire them.
4.
Diversity in counsel, unity in command.
Cyrus the Great
Varied advice, unified authority.
5.
Success always calls for greater generosity - though most people, lost in the darkness of their own egos, treat it as an occasion for greater greed. Collecting boot is not an end itself, but only a means for building an empire. Riches would be of little use to us now - except as a means of winning new friends.
Cyrus the Great
6.
All men have their frailties; and whoever looks for a friend without imperfections, will never find what he seeks.
Cyrus the Great
No one can be faultless; thus, anyone seeking a companion without blemishes will never discover what they are looking for.
7.
Brevity is the soul of command. Too much talking suggests desperation on the part of the leader. Speak shortly, decisively and to the point–and couch your desires in such natural logic that no one can raise objections. Then move on.
Cyrus the Great
8.
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.
Cyrus the Great
'O human, regardless of your origin and destination, for I am sure you will arrive eventually, I am Cyrus who bestowed the Persians with sovereignty. Hence, do not deny me this speck of ground that shelters my remains.'
9.
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.
Cyrus the Great
You cannot be overlooked: your endeavors are put on display for the entire world to witness. If your deeds are honorable and kind, be certain they will boost your influence and joy.
10.
We love ourselves notwithstanding our faults, and we ought to love our friends in like manner.
Cyrus the Great
We should accept ourselves despite our flaws, and likewise embrace our companions with the same understanding.
11.
I am Cyrus, king of the world.
Cyrus the Great
I am Cyrus, sovereign of the universe.
12.
In my experience, men who respond to good fortune with modesty and kindness are harder to find than those who face adversity with courage.
Cyrus the Great
In my experience, individuals who accept success humbly and graciously are less common than those who confront difficulty with bravery.
13.
Do not suppose, my dearest sons, that when I have left you I shall be nowhere and no one. Even when I was with you, you did not see my soul, but knew that it was in this body of mine from what I did. Believe then that it is still the same, even though you see it not.
Cyrus the Great
14.
May all the gods whom I settled in their sacred centers ask daily of Bêl and Nâbu that my days be long and may they intercede for my welfare. ... The people of Babylon blessed my kingship, and I settled all the lands in peaceful abodes.
Cyrus the Great
