Catherine the Great

I have a passion for justice, and I will always pursue it.

I have a great sense of humor, and I like to laugh.

I have a strong sense of duty, and I always fulfill my obligations.

I have a great love for my people, and I want to see them prosper.

I praise loudly. I blame softly.

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

The more a man knows, the more he forgives.

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

Power without a nation's confidence is nothing.

Men are not born for liberty.

The people who are the most firm in their decisions are those who know the least.

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

It is better to be hated for what you are than loved for what you are not.

The trouble is that my heart refuses to acknowledge what my head knows.

I like to praise and to reward, but I detest to punish.

The best government is that which governs least.

A great many things have been said about me, and I have heard them all. But I have not heard anything that has made me change my opinion of myself.

I came to Russia a poor girl, and I will make Russia rich.

I have the courage to do what I think is right, and I have the strength to carry it out.

I love the truth, but I do not always tell it.