Who was the best absolute ruler in history?

Question

Everyone knows that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. There are plenty of examples of kings and dictators who abused their power and brought suffering to their people, but are there any exceptions to this rule? Which king or dictator was best able to resist the temptation of power and rule wisely?

Answer 1

Perhaps Augustus the Great, first emporer of Rome.

He was responsible for 50+ years of peace at an extremely violent time.

Answer 2

Best Rulers In History

Answer 3

It's true that Ceasar Augustus have been able to rule quite wisely in an Empire that was mainly already stable. Gensis Khan have been a good ruler for his own people, but not for those he conquer.
I should say that Cyrus (from Persia) (the one who free the Israelites from Babylon) should receive high consideration. He conquers the largest empire of the time (Persia) using little fight and mostly diplomaty. His rules were fair and wise allowing Persia to devellop and become very strong. There is no historical fact that shows he abuse his power. His laws standed for a couple of centuries.

Charlemagne is another quite good ruler with little record of abuse, wise laws with respect and equality. He ruled France peacefully (except few fights, namely the muslims in Spain) during one of the most violent time of history. (Note that his grand-father had killed practically all competitor he could have in his kingdom.)

Answer 4

Augustus was a good leader- no doubt the pax romana was just what Rome needed.
however, i believe his great uncle Gaius Julius Caesar was a better ruler because he used his dictor's powers to lead the way for a better and more stable Rome- instead of one corrupted by the rich senators, Augustus was only walking in his footsteps- if Julius Caesar had not been killed on the Ides of March- he would be the first offical roman emperor and brought the peace that rome needed.

Answer 5

I have to agree with Elana - Octavian / Caesar Augustus from approximately 27 BC to 14 CE. He acquired total power quietly without flashy displays. He lived and dressed commonly. He did not consider himself a GOD or expect others to think of him as such. He set a model of behavior for others to follow.
Unfortunately, following Roman emperors did not follow his example, and most did not die in old age as Augustus did.
Perhaps the next closest Roman emperor to Augustus would be Marcus Aurelius ~ 160 to 180 CE. Marcus was a stoic philosopher and not caught up so much in the madness of power.

Answer 6

Firstly, I would say Lao Tse Tsung had the best ideas on how someone should rule wisely... have a look at the tao te ching... in it, he says that a good leader should be invisible, and although things get done, it feels to the people as if they are doing it themselves, even though they have been guided....


there's currently an inspiring governor in a town in Brazil.... his name is Jamie Lerner... look him up.

The 6th dalai Lama was a pretty cool dude... he used to just row his boat on the lake below potala palace and write poems.


I don't know too much about Castro, but my feelings are that he's not too bad, as a dictator-for-life anyway.

I think that not until there are restrictions on the earnings and lavish lifestyles of leaders will we have good leaders. They are rarely on the level of the majority of people, so how can they govern the majority of people?

Answer 7

Frederick the Great of Prussia.

Elizabeth 1 of England.

Answer 8

Joseph II of Austria because he did the best he could for his empire. He abolished slavery and serfs. He also was lenient about religion.

Answer 9

Well Ive thought and thought yet I cant think of any. That both surprises e and dosent at the same time.

To me, any power corrupts, just look at traffic wardens :)

Answer 10

Napoleon Bonaparte was the best ruler