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

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

The more a man knows, the more he forgives.
Catherine II

Your wit makes others witty.
Catherine II

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

Power without a nation's confidence is nothing.
Catherine II

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.
Catherine II