Peter the Great

I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.

The clergy is a different body, but the state is the same.

I have not been able to find a single good general; I must be my own.

Take example from the bees; they work for the common good.

I have been planting trees for shade for those who come after me.

My children, do not cry; I have left you a great inheritance.

He who loves danger shall perish in it.

I am not making war against the Swedish nation, but against its king.

The Russian people are like children who will never learn their alphabet unless compelled by their teacher.

I have tamed the bear, but I cannot tame my own passions.

Better a city of wood that looks like stone than a city of stone that looks like wood.

I shall die, but the state shall live.

The more I see of other countries, the more I love my own.

A great city must have a great river.

I have been a carpenter, a sailor, a soldier; I shall die an emperor.

I have conquered for myself, but I have conquered for Russia.

I am a pupil and I need to be taught.

To have a strong army and navy, one must have money. To have money, one must have trade. To have trade, one must have a sea port.

I would rather have a hundred good engineers than a thousand good soldiers.

I am a sovereign and I will answer to no one for my actions.