Ashoka

"I have renounced the use of conquest by the sword; conquest by dharma is the true conquest."

"All men are my children. As I desire for my own children that they be provided with all welfare and happiness, so do I desire for all men."

"The welfare of all people is my highest objective, achieved through the practice of dharma."

"Harsh speech is not proper; one should speak in a manner that is gentle and kind."

"If a man does good, he should do it again; he should find a love for it, for happiness is the result of good."

"The growth of wisdom may be gauged by how much we have renounced our attachments to worldly things."

"I desire that all people be of good character, obedient, and dutiful to their parents."

"Whoever conquers himself through dharma is greater than he who conquers a thousand enemies in battle."

"The way to heaven is not through the performance of sacrifices alone, but through the practice of dharma."

"All creatures have a right to life and should be protected from unnecessary suffering."

"The prosperity of a kingdom depends not on its vast armies but on the virtue of its people."

"One should respect the views of others and listen to their counsel before making decisions."

"The forests and wildlife are sacred trusts that must be preserved for future generations."

"I have installed officials to work for the welfare of the people in all parts of my kingdom."

"The greatest treasure a man can possess is a good conscience and the love of virtuous people."

"True glory consists in the spread of dharma, not in the expansion of territorial boundaries."

"The welfare of others is not to be achieved by violence or harsh measures, but through compassion."

"A ruler who governs by dharma will earn the love and respect of his subjects without need for force."

"The mind of an unwise man wanders in all directions, but the mind of a wise man is fixed on dharma."

"Wherever there are plants and fruits, there I shall provide for the welfare of both humans and animals."

"One should not reproach others for their beliefs, but rather encourage them to practice virtue."

"The greatest conquest is not of lands or treasures, but of one's own desires and passions."

"Let all people know that I consider the growth of dharma among all people to be my highest duty."

"The happiness of the people is my ultimate goal; all my actions are directed toward this end."

"A wise ruler provides not only for the material needs of his people but also for their moral development."

"The practice of dharma leads to both worldly prosperity and spiritual advancement."

"One should cultivate compassion for all beings, for all life is sacred and interconnected."

"The true measure of a king is not his wealth or power, but the well-being of his subjects."

"I have established hospitals and medical facilities for the care of all people, regardless of their station."

"The spreading of dharma is like the spreading of light; it dispels the darkness of ignorance."