Catherine the Great Quotes

it is better to inspire a reform than to enforce it.

Power without a nation's confidence is nothing.

One does not always do the best there is. One does the best one can.

I sincerely want peace, not because I lack resources for war, but because I hate bloodshed.

The laws ought to be so framed as to secure the safety of every citizen as much as possible. ... Political liberty does not consist in the notion that a man may do whatever he pleases; liberty is the right to do whatsoever the laws allow. ... The equality of the citizens consists in that they should all be subject to the same laws.

Happiness and unhappiness are in the heart and spirit of each one of us: If you feel unhappy, then place yourself above that and act so that your happiness does not get to be dependent on anything.

You philosophers are lucky men. You write on paper and paper is patient. Unfortunate Empress that I am, I write on the susceptible skins of living beings.

Nothing is more difficult, in my opinion, than to avoid something that fundamentally attracts you.

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

A great wind is blowing, and that gives you either imagination or a headache.

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

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

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

I may be kindly, I am ordinarily gentle, but in my line of business I am obliged to will terribly what I will at all.

The more a man knows, the more he forgives.

Don't worry about things you cannot alter

Experience shows that the frequent use of severe punishment has never rendered a people better. The death of a criminal is a less effective means of restraining crimes than the permanent example of a man deprived of his liberty during the whole of his life to make amends for the injury he has done to the public.

I cannot live one day without love.

The most sure, but at the same time the most difficult expedient to mend the morals of the people, is a perfect system of education.

self-interest usually brings injustice with it.

You were in a mood to quarrel. Please inform me once the inclination passes.

bad news travels faster than good.

Your wits make others witty.

What right can give anyone authority to inflict torture upon a citizen when it is still unknown whether he is innocent or guilty?

Tell a thousand people to draft a letter, let them debate every phrase, and see how long it takes and what you get.