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… — Catherine the Great Copy Share Image
The use of torture is contrary to sound judgment and common sense. Humanity itself cries out against it, and demands it to be utterly abolished. — Catherine the Great Copy Share Image
I shall be an autocrat: that's my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that's his. — Catherine the Great Copy Share Image
If I may venture to be frank I would say about myself that I was every inch a gentleman. — Catherine the Great Copy Share Image
In politics a capable ruler must be guided by circumstances, conjectures and conjunctions. — Catherine the Great Copy Share Image
What right can give anyone authority to inflict torture upon a citizen when it is still unknown whether he is innocent or guilty? — Catherine the Great Copy Share Image
I may be kindly, I am ordinarily gentle, but in my line of business I am obliged to will terribly what I will at… — Catherine the Great Copy Share Image
The trouble is that my heart is loath to be without love even for a single hour. ... If you want to keep me… — Catherine the Great Copy Share Image
All or nothing. If I commit myself to you, you must commit yourself to me! — Catherine The Great Copy Share Image
Any man who doesn't partake in cigar smoking is nothing more than a weak-willed, meandering oaf, and I would never put my lips to… — Catherine the Great Copy Share Image
the title of Queen rang sweet to my ears, child though I was. ... This idea of a crown began running in my head… — Catherine the Great Copy Share Image
I beg you take courage; the brave soul can mend even disaster. — Catherine the Great Copy Share Image
