Famous Julius Caesar quotes

Famous Julius Caesar Quotes

Julius Caesar is a name that echoes through the corridors of history, and remains one of the most iconic figures in ancient Rome. In this post, we share several Julius Caesar quotes which serve as a source of inspiration for many.

Early Life

Julius Caesar was born in 100 BCE into an aristocratic Roman family, the Julii. His upbringing and education were far from ordinary, providing him with a solid foundation for his future endeavors.

His early life nurtured his ambition. He quickly realized the potential for personal advancement in the turbulent political climate of the late Republic.

Caesar’s path to greatness was paved with his military exploits. He embarked on a series of audacious campaigns in Gaul, demonstrating his military genius and expanding the Roman Empire’s territory.

His “Commentarii de Bello Gallico” not only chronicled his victories but also served as a testament to his strategic brilliance and exceptional leadership on the battlefield.

The Rise in Politics

While he was a formidable general, Caesar was equally adept in politics. He rose through the ranks of Roman politics, forming alliances and rivalries in equal measure. In 59 BCE, he was elected consul, marking a significant turning point in his career. His charm, charisma, and political skills endeared him to the common people, and he was viewed as a champion of the masses.

One of the most defining moments in Caesar’s life was his rivalry with Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, commonly known as Pompey the Great. What was once a partnership in the First Triumvirate turned into a bitter power struggle.

In 49 BCE, Caesar made the daring move to cross the Rubicon River, precipitating a civil war. The conflict culminated with Caesar’s victory in 45 BCE, solidifying his status as the uncontested ruler of Rome.

The Benevolent Dictator

Julius Caesar’s reign was marked by a surprising level of clemency towards his defeated enemies. Instead of seeking retribution, he extended pardons and amnesty, trying to mend the rifts caused by the civil war. His magnanimity was remarkable, but it didn’t sit well with all segments of the Roman elite. Many of them perceived him as a threat to traditional Republican institutions.

The assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March, 44 BCE, is one of the most renowned events in history. A group of conspirators, including notable senators like Brutus and Cassius, assassinated him in the Senate chamber.

Their motive was to preserve the traditional Republican order. However, the result was a maelstrom of political chaos that led to the collapse of the Roman Republic.

A silver coin (or “denarius“), depicting Caesar – dated to 44 BC. Source: Wikipedia

The Legacy of Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar was an important figure in ancient Rome, His life and career symbolize the intricate tapestry of an era defined by political turmoil and societal transformation.

He was not just a military genius or a charismatic politician – he was a figure who altered the course of history.


Inspirational Julius Caesar Quotes

Below we share several inspirational Julius Caesar quotes from throughout his life as military leader to political figure. We hope these will be a source of inspiration and courage in your life.

“Creating is the essence of life.”

– Julius Caesar

“Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.”

– Julius Caesar

“Men, in general, are quick to believe that which they wish to be true.”

– Julius Caesar

“As a rule, men worry more about what they can’t see than about what they can.”

– Julius Caesar

“It is not these well-fed long-haired men that I fear, but the pale and the hungry looking.”

– Julius Caesar

“Without training, they lacked knowledge. Without knowledge, they lacked confidence. Without confidence, they lacked victory.”

– Julius Caesar

“There are no tricks in plain and simple faith.”

– Julius Caesar

“All bad precedents begin as justifiable measures.”

– Julius Caesar

“It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience.”

– Julius Caesar

“I had rather be first in a village than second in Rome.”

– Julius Caesar

“In war, events of importance are the result of trivial causes.”

– Julius Caesar

“What we wish, we readily believe, and what we ourselves think, we imagine others think also.”

– Julius Caesar

“The greatest enemy will hide in the last place you would ever look.”

– Julius Caesar

“Men at some time are masters of their fates.  The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars but in ourselves that we are underlings.”

– Julius Caesar

“Experience is the teacher of all things.”

– Julius Caesar

“The difference between a Republic and an empire is the loyalty of one’s army.”

– Julius Caesar

“He conquers twice, who shows mercy to the conquered.”

– Julius Caesar

“No one is so brave that he is not disturbed by something unexpected.”

– Julius Caesar

“I have lived long enough to satisfy both nature and glory.”

– Julius Caesar

“The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.”

– Julius Caesar

“It is better to suffer once than to be in perpetual apprehension.”

– Julius Caesar

“I love the name of honor more than I fear death.”

– Julius Caesar

“In the end, it is impossible not to become what others believe you are.”

– Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar Quotes – Final Words

Julius Caesar was both a military genius and a charismatic politician who altered the course of history. He remains one of the most iconic figures in ancient Rome.

We hope you enjoyed these Julius Caesar quotes. Check out our site for more sources of inspiration.

Joseph Stein

I have always found that words of inspiration help me navigate through difficult times. I built this website to share inspirational quotes from famous people of all walks of life. Hopefully you will derive strength from these words of inspiration as well. Please enjoy.