Catherine II

The more a man knows, the more he forgives.

In my position you have to read when you want to write and to talk when you would like to read.

Your wit makes others witty.

Men make love more intensely at 20, but make love better, however, at 30.

I beg you take courage; the brave soul can mend even disaster.

I like to praise and reward loudly, to blame quietly.

For to tempt and to be tempted are things very nearly allied - whenever feeling has anything to do in the matter, no sooner is it excited than we have already gone vastly farther than we are aware of.

I am one of the people who love the why of things.

In politics a capable ruler must be guided by circumstances, conjectures and conjunctions.

Power without a nation's confidence is nothing.

I shall be an autocrat: that's my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that's his.