Catherine the Great

I like to talk to a man, not to a woman, because a man is always less troublesome.

I shall be a despot, but a benevolent one.

The best way to catch a man is to let him go.

A great many things are often said and believed about me that are not true.

I love the truth, and I believe in it, but I do not always speak it.

I came to Russia a poor princess, but I will make her rich.

It is not the business of princes to be modest.

The only way to avoid mistakes is to gain experience, and the only way to gain experience is to make mistakes.

I would rather suffer a hundred times than be a slave.

I write to you from my bed, where I am as usual, very busy.

I have lived long enough to know that one must not depend on anyone.

The sovereign is absolute. This is the only form of government that can sustain a vast empire.

I consider the greatest misfortune to be an unloved woman.

I was born to rule, and I will rule.

The more I see of men, the more I like dogs.

I have always believed that it is better to be a good man than a good woman.

I never had a moment of repose in my life, and I have never had a moment of idleness.

I am a philosopher on the throne.

I did not choose Russia. Russia chose me.

I have no other ambition than to make Russia happy.