Catherine the Great

In politics a capable ruler must be guided by circumstances, conjectures and conjunctions.

Happiness and unhappiness are in the heart and spirit of each one of us: If you feel unhappy, then place yourself above that and act so that your happiness does not get to be dependent on anything.

“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.

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

Don’t worry about things you cannot alter.

It is better to inspire a reform than to enforce it.

Some people give time, some money, some their skills and connections, some literally give their life’s blood. But everyone has something to give.

Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.

Possessions are always secondary, loved ones are all that matters.

At the end of the day, whether or not those people are comfortable with how you’re living your life doesn’t matter. What matters is whether you’re comfortable with it.

Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week.

I know that god is real. I have seen him smile through the sunlight as it dances across your skin and lays gently at your feet.

The best stories don’t come from ‘good vs. bad’ but ‘good vs. good.’

Never do anything against conscience even if the state demands it.

Let me make the superstitions of a nation and I care not who makes its laws or its songs either.

A timid person is frightened before a danger, a coward during the time, and a courageous person afterward.

When I dare to be powerful – to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.

It is a most mortifying reflection for a man to consider what he has done, compared to what he might have done.

I do not like to be unkind.

Champions get what they want because they know what they want. They have a vision that keeps them motivated and efficiently on track. They see it, feel it, and experience it in their minds and hearts. What is success for you? You won’t get there without knowing what it feels and looks like.

I think I am actually humble. I think I’m much more humble than you would understand.