Catherine the Great

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

Men make love more intensely at 20, but make love better, however, at 30.

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.

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

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.

Your wit makes others witty.

Power without a nation's confidence is nothing.

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