Inspirational Quotations

Inspirational Quotes by Akhenaten (Egyptian Monarch)

Akhenaten (fl. 14th century BCE,) also spelled Akhenaton, Akhnaton, or Ikhnaton, was the assumed name of Amenhotep IV, an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty who reigned for 17 years 1353–36 BCE.

Akhenaten was the second son of Amenhotep III. Six years into his reign, Akhenaten renounced the polytheistic worship of the old deities. He initiated a purified and monotheistic solar cult of the sun-disc (Aton,) and changed his name to Akhenaten, meaning “beneficial to Aton.” For these activities, he became renowned as the ‘Heretic Pharaoh.’

Akhenaten moved the capital of the Egyptian kingdom from Thebes to the newly constructed city of Akhetaten, the present-day Amarna. The excavations of the royal archive at this archeological site have borne many royal letters and other historical documents. From these, archaeologists have concluded that the arts flourished during Akhenaten’s reign. His period is also prominent for a sensuous realism in art that was contrary to the stylized art of leading and succeeding reigns. Nonetheless, the empire began to disintegrate during his reign.

Akhenaten was married to Queen Nefertiti, who is immortalized in the exquisite sculptured head now on exhibit in Berlin’s Neues Museum.

More: Wikipedia READ: Works by Akhenaten

As the ocean giveth rise to springs, whose water return again into its bosom through the rivers, so runneth thy life force from the heart outwards, and so returneth into its place again.
Akhenaten

As a rock on the seashore he standeth firm, and the dashing of the waves disturbeth him not. He raiseth his head like a tower on a hill, and the arrows of fortune drop at his feet. In the instant of danger, the courage of his heart here, and scorn to fly.
Akhenaten
Topics: Bravery, Courage

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

In all thy undertakings, let a reasonable assurance animate thy endeavours; if thou despairest of success, thou shalt not succeed.
Akhenaten

As the whirlwind in its fury teareth up trees, and deformeth the face of nature, or as an earthquake in its convulsions overturneth whole cities; so the rage of an angry man throweth mischief around him.
Akhenaten
Topics: Anger

As the moon retaineth her nature, though darkness spread itself before her face as a curtain, so the Soul remaineth perfect even in the bosom of the fool.
Akhenaten

The ambitious will always be first in the crowd; he presseth forward, he looketh not behind him. More anguish is it to his mind to see one before him, than joy to leave thousands at a distance.
Akhenaten
Topics: Enthusiasm

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
Topics: Character

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

What is the source of sadness, but feebleness of the mind? What giveth it power but the want of reason? Rouse thyself to the combat, and she quitteth the field before thou strikest.
Akhenaten
Topics: Sadness

Contemplate thy powers, contemplate thy wants and thy connections; so shalt thou discover the duties of life, and be directed in all thy ways.
Akhenaten

Labour not after riches first, and think thou afterwards wilt enjoy them. He who neglecteth the present moment, throweth away all that he hath. As the arrow passeth through the heart, while the warrior knew not that it was coming; so shall his life be taken away before he knoweth that he hath it.
Akhenaten
Topics: Present, The Present

As the ostrich when pursued hideth his head, but forgetteth his body; so the fears of a coward expose him to danger.
Akhenaten
Topics: Fear

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
Topics: Wisdom, Wealth

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
Topics: Character, Honor

Say not that honor is the child of boldness, nor believe thou that the hazard of life alone can pay the price of it: it is not to the action that it is due, but to the manner of performing it.
Akhenaten
Topics: Honor

True wisdom is less presuming than folly. The wise man doubteth often, and changeth his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubteth not; he knoweth all things but his own ignorance.
Akhenaten

As the branches of a tree return their sap to the root, from whence it arose; as a river poureth its streams to the sea, whence its spring was supplied; so the heart of a grateful man delighteth in returning a benefit received.
Akhenaten

Thinking, understanding, reasoning, willing, call not these Soul! They are its actions, but they are not its essence.
Akhenaten

As a plain garment best adorneth a beautiful woman, so a decent behaviour is the best ornament of inner wisdom.
Akhenaten

As the shadow waiteth on the substance, even so true honour attendeth upon goodness.
Akhenaten

The fool is not always unfortunate, nor the wise man always successful; yet never has a fool thorough enjoyment; never was a wise man wholly unhappy.
Akhenaten

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