Catherine the Great quotes

Born
2 May 1729 Stettin, Pomerania, Prussi.

Died
17 November 1796.

Occupation
Emperor.

Catherine the Great was Empress of Russia from 1762 until 1796, the country’s longest-ruling female leader. She came to power following a coup d’état when her husband, Peter III, was overthrown. Under her reign, Russia was revitalised; it grew larger and stronger, and was recognised as one of the great powers of Europe.

I have no way to defend my borders but to extend them.
– Catherine the Great

I beg you take courage; the brave soul can mend even disaster.
– Catherine the Great

In politics a capable ruler must be guided by circumstances, conjectures and conjunctions.
– Catherine the Great

In my position you have to read when you want to write and to talk when you would like to read.
– Catherine the Great

Your wit makes others witty.
– Catherine the Great

I praise loudly. I blame softly.
– Catherine the Great

All this is only for the mice and myself to admire!
– Catherine the Great

The more a man knows, the more he forgives.
– Catherine the Great

I may be kindly, I am ordinarily gentle, but in my line of business I am obliged to will terribly what I will at all.
– Catherine the Great

I shall be an autocrat: that’s my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that’s his.
– Catherine the Great

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

Power without a nation’s confidence is nothing.
– Catherine the Great

I am one of the people who love the why of things.
– Catherine the Great

The more a man knows, the more he forgives.
– Catherine the Great

If Russians knew how to read, they would write me off.
– Catherine the Great

I like to praise and reward loudly, to blame quietly.
– Catherine the Great

Men make love more intensely at 20, but make love better, however, at 30.
– Catherine the Great