The most sure, but at the same time the most difficult expedient to mend the morals of the people, is a perfect system of education.

the title of Queen rang sweet to my ears, child though I was. ... This idea of a crown began running in my head then like a tune, and has been running a lot in it ever since.

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.

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

[On Peter III:] He did not have a bad heart; but a weak man usually has not.

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

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