Experience shows that the frequent use of severe punishment has never rendered a people better. The death of a criminal is a less effective means of restraining crimes than the permanent example of a man deprived of his liberty during the whole of his life to make amends for the injury he has done to the public.
Catherine the GreatTell a thousand people to draft a letter, let them debate every phrase, and see how long it takes and what you get.
Catherine the GreatThe most sure, but at the same time the most difficult expedient to mend the morals of the people, is a perfect system of education.
Catherine the GreatI sincerely want peace, not because I lack resources for war, but because I hate bloodshed.
Catherine the Great