Peter the Great

I have conquered an empire but I have not been able to conquer myself.

It is my great desire to reform my subjects, and yet I am ashamed to confess that I am unable to reform myself.

It is my great desire to reform my subjects, and yet I am ashamed to confess that I am unable to reform myself.

Lawyers! I have but two in my dominions, and I believe that I shall hang one of them the moment I get home!

Lawyers! I have but two in my dominions, and I believe that I shall hang one of them the moment I get home!

That gentleman seems to be much dissatisfied with his tailor.

That gentleman seems to be much dissatisfied with his tailor.

A subordinate must present a dim-witted face before his superiors, so as not to confuse his superiors with his intelligence.

A subordinate must present a dim-witted face before his superiors, so as not to confuse his superiors with his intelligence.

My 'good fortune' consisted in having received fifty blows when I was condemned to receive a hundred.

My 'good fortune' consisted in having received fifty blows when I was condemned to receive a hundred.

Members of the guilds purveying for our household must shave their beards and moustaches. But, if it happens that some of them do not wish to shave their beards and moustaches, let a yearly tax be collected from such persons.

Members of the guilds purveying for our household must shave their beards and moustaches. But, if it happens that some of them do not wish to shave their beards and moustaches, let a yearly tax be collected from such persons.

As for the peasants, let a toll of two half-copecks per beard be collected at the town gates each time they enter or leave a town; and do not let the peasants pass the town gates, into or out of town, without paying this toll.

As for the peasants, let a toll of two half-copecks per beard be collected at the town gates each time they enter or leave a town; and do not let the peasants pass the town gates, into or out of town, without paying this toll.

I desire no fatigues, but only inclination, which even sickness itself cannot hinder.

I desire no fatigues, but only inclination, which even sickness itself cannot hinder.

I will have you to know that I will deprive you of the succession, as one may cut off a useless member.

I will have you to know that I will deprive you of the succession, as one may cut off a useless member.

Alas! I have civilized my own subjects; I have conquered other nations; yet I have not been able to civilize or to conquer myself.