Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great
Catherine II of Russia, also known as Catherine the Great, was the most renowned and the longest-ruling female leader of Russia, reigning from 1762 until her death in 1796 at the age of 67. Born in Stettin, Pomerania, Prussia as Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst-Dornburg, she came to power following a coup d'état when her husband, Peter III, was assassinated. Russia was revitalized under her reign, growing larger and stronger than ever and becoming recognized as one of the great powers...
NationalityRussian
ProfessionRoyalty
Date of Birth2 May 1729
CitySzczecin, Poland
CountryRussian Federation
Catherine the Great quotes about
In politics a capable ruler must be guided by circumstances, conjectures and conjunctions.
You philosophers are lucky men. You write on paper and paper is patient. Unfortunate Empress that I am, I write on the susceptible skins of living beings.
In my position you have to read when you want to write and to talk when you would like to read.
You were in a mood to quarrel. Please inform me once the inclination passes.
You should know our mania for building is stronger than ever. It is a diabolical thing. It consumes money and the more you build, the more you want to build. It's a sickness like being addicted to alcohol.
Men make love more intensely at 20, but make love better, however, at 30.
Tell a thousand people to draft a letter, let them debate every phrase, and see how long it takes and what you get.
For to tempt and to be tempted are things very nearly allied - whenever feeling has anything to do in the matter, no sooner is it excited than we have already gone vastly farther than we are aware of.
I praise loudly and I blame softly.
I sincerely want peace, not because I lack resources for war, but because I hate bloodshed.
I cannot live one day without love.
The trouble is that my heart is loath to be without love even for a single hour. ... If you want to keep me forever, then show as much friendship as love, and more than anything else, love me and tell me the truth.
The most sure, but at the same time the most difficult expedient to mend the morals of the people, is a perfect system of education.
Praise is the only gift for which people are really grateful. Marguerite, Countess of Blessington I praise loudly; I blame softly.