Ashoka the Great
Ashoka (304 BCE- 232 BCE) was an Indian emperor of one of the largest and most powerful empires in human history. On seeing the massive death and destruction caused by a war he waged, Ashoka was remorseful and converted to non-violent principles of Buddhism. He vowed to never go to war again, initiated a centralized policy of dharma (pious social conduct), and spread the teachings of Buddhism across Ancient Asia. Ashoka’s principles of peace and tolerance extended to animals. He was a vegetarian and abolished animal sacrifices in his kingdom.
“Let all listen and be willing to listen to the doctrines professed by others”