Akhenaton (or Akhenaten) was the tenth pharaoh of Egypt’s eighteenth dynasty (c.1352-1336 BCE). Son of Amenhotep III and the chief queen, Tiya, Akhenaton succeeded to the throne as Amenhotep IV and took a throne name meaning “the sun’s ultimate perfection, unique one of the sun.” He created a new capital at Amarna.
He is often referred to as the “heretic pharaoh,” due to his abandonment of all of the traditional Egyptian gods except for Aten, the god associated with the disc of the sun who had been growing in importance and popularity for at least a couple of generations prior to the reign of Akhenaten.
It was in honor of this god that the pharaoh changed his name. (1352-1336 BCE).
– Akhenaton 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.
~ Akhenaton
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.
~ Akhenaton
The lips of the wise are as the doors of a cabinet; no sooner are they opened, but treasures are poured out before thee.
~ Akhenaton
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.
~ Akhenaton
Scorn also to depress thy competitor by any dishonest or unworthy method; strive to raise thyself above him only by excelling him; so shall thy contest for superiority be crowned with honour, if not with success.
~ Akhenaton
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.
~ Akhenaton
Be upright in thy whole life; be content in all its changes; so shalt thou make thy profit out of all occurrences; so shall everything that happeneth unto thee be the source of praise.
~ Akhenaton
As a camel beareth labour, and heat, and hunger, and thirst, through deserts of sand, and fainteth not; so the fortitude of a man shall sustain him through all perils.
~ Akhenaton
Indulge not thyself in the passion of anger; it is whetting a sword to wound thine own breast, or murder thy friend.
~ Akhenaton
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.
~ Akhenaton
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.
~ Akhenaton
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.
~ Akhenaton
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.
~ Akhenaton
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.
~ Akhenaton
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.
~ Akhenaton
Labor 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.
~ Akhenaton
Hear the words of prudence, give heed unto her counsels, and store them in thine heart; her maxims are universal, and all the virtues lean upon her; she is the guide and the mistress of human life.
~ Akhenaton
As the ostrich when pursued hideth his head, but forgetteth his body; so the fears of a coward expose him to danger.
~ Akhenaton
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 sustaineth him; and the steadiness of his mind beareth him out.
~ Akhenaton
In all thy undertakings, let a reasonable assurance animate thy endeavors; if thou despairest of success, thou shalt not succeed.
~ Akhenaton
If thou be industrious to procure wealth, be generous in the disposal of it. Man never is so happy as when he giveth happiness unto another.
~ Akhenaton
The higher the sun ariseth, the less shadow doth he cast; even so the greater is the goodness, the less doth it covet praise; yet cannot avoid its rewards in honors.
~ Akhenaton
