Catherine the Great

I detest the man who hides one thing in the depth of his heart and speaks another.

The arts are the glory of a nation.

One must not let oneself be blinded by love.

Reform is the duty of every sovereign.

Humor is the great thing, the saving thing.

Knowledge is the best weapon against tyranny.

I reign, but I do not govern.

The human mind is capable of anything.

Flattery is the food of fools.

War is the trade of kings.

Beauty is power; a smile is my favorite weapon.

The progress of the human mind is our only hope.

A wise ruler listens more than he speaks.

Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit.

Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all others.

The theater is the school of those who rule.

I have conquered an empire, but I have not conquered myself.

Tolerance is the virtue of a man without convictions.

The law is the only sure protection of the weak.

Philosophy is the highest music.