Frederick the Great

Never attempt to make a thing perfect before you have done it.

I have made the mistake of thinking that men are reasonable.

The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can. Strike him as hard as you can, and keep moving on.

A man who is master of himself is master of the world.

Every man has a right to his own opinion, and to express it freely.

If I wished to punish a province, I would leave it to be governed by philosophers.

The happiness of the people is the supreme law.

I am not a king, I am a soldier.

If my soldiers began to think, not one would remain in the ranks.

The more I see of men, the better I like my dog.

Religion is the idol of the mob.

An educated people can be easily governed.

Diplomacy without arms is like music without instruments.

I must govern like a philosopher.

It is disgusting to notice the increase in the quantity of coffee used by my subjects, and the amount of money that goes out of the country as a consequence. Everybody is using coffee; this must be prevented. His Majesty was brought up on beer, and so were both his ancestors and officers. Many battles have been fought and won by soldiers nourished on beer, and the King does not believe that coffee-drinking soldiers can be relied upon to endure hardships in case of another war.

Dogs, would you live forever?

Can you keep a secret? — Yes sire! — Good, so can I.

Madame has become more stout.

The more I see of people, the more I love my dog.

All religions must be tolerated... every man must go to heaven in his own way.