Julius Caesar Quotes Proverbs, and Aphorisms
July 12, 100 BC – March 15, 44 BC
Roman
Military General, Statesman, Dictator of the Roman Republic, Author
Julius Caesar was a Roman general, statesman, and writer who played a crucial role in the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. Celebrated for his military brilliance, he conquered Gaul and led expeditions to Britain, greatly expanding Rome’s territory and influence. His crossing of the Rubicon River in 49 BCE sparked a civil war, after which he emerged as dictator for life, implementing major reforms in governance, calendar, and citizenship. Though admired for his leadership and vision, Caesar’s concentration of power alarmed the Senate, leading to his assassination in 44 BCE by political rivals, including Brutus. His death marked the end of the Republic and paved the way for imperial rule under Augustus. Caesar remains a symbol of ambition, military genius, and political transformation.
- “Men are nearly always willing to believe what they wish.”
- “Which death is preferably to every other? ‘The unexpected’.”
- “In war, events of importance are the result of trivial causes.”
- “It is not these well-fed long-haired men that I fear, but the pale and the hungry-looking.”
- “What we wish, we readily believe, and what we ourselves think, we imagine others think also.”
- “Fortune, which has a great deal of power in other matters but especially in war, can bring about great changes in a situation through very slight forces.”
- “During a few days’ halt near Vesontio for the provision of corn and other supplies, a panic arose from inquiries made by our troops and remarks uttered by Gauls and traders, who affirmed that the Germans were men of a mighty frame and an incredible valour and skill at arms.”
- “Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion.”
- “I have always reckoned the dignity of the republic of first importance and preferable to life.”
- “No one is so brave that he is not disturbed by something unexpected.”
- “It was the wont of the immortal gods sometimes to grant prosperity and long impunity to men whose crimes they were minded to punish in order that a complete reverse of fortune might make them suffer more bitterly.”
- “It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience.”
- “I have lived long enough to satisfy both nature and glory.”
- “I have lived long enough both in years and in accomplishments.”
- “I am prepared to resort to anything, to submit to anything, for the sake of the commonwealth.”
- “If you must break the law, do it to seize power: in all other cases observe it.”
- “As a rule, men worry more about what they can’t see than about what they can.”
- “Men in general are quick to believe that which they wish to be true.”
- “The die is cast.”
- “Experience is the teacher of all things.”
- “It is better to create than to learn! Creating is the essence of life.”
- “Men willingly believe what they wish.”
- “I had rather be first in a village than second at Rome.”
- “Men freely believe that which they desire.”
- “Cowards die many times before their actual deaths.”
- “I came, I saw, I conquered.”
- “I love the name of honor, more than I fear death.”