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 shall be an autocrat: that's my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that's his.

Tell a thousand people to draft a letter, let them debate every phrase, and see how long it takes and what you get.

Nothing is more difficult, in my opinion, than to avoid something that fundamentally attracts you.

The laws ought to be so framed as to secure the safety of every citizen as much as possible. ... Political liberty does not consist in the notion that a man may do whatever he pleases; liberty is the right to do whatsoever the laws allow. ... The equality of the citizens consists in that they should all be subject to the same laws.

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.

God, grant us our desires, and grant them quickly.