Frederick the Great

Prussian king

Early Modern influential 61 sayings

Sayings by Frederick the Great

Never attempt to make a thing perfect before you have done it.

c. 1760s-1780s — From his practical advice or reflections
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have made the mistake of thinking that men are reasonable.

c. 1770s-1780s — From his cynical reflections on human nature
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can. Strike him as hard as you can, and keep moving on.

c. 1750s — From his military maxims or letters
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A man who is master of himself is master of the world.

c. 1740s-1780s — From his philosophical reflections
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Every man has a right to his own opinion, and to express it freely.

c. 1740s — Reflecting his commitment to freedom of speech, albeit within limits
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If I wished to punish a province, I would leave it to be governed by philosophers.

c. 1770s — Attributed, a cynical remark about the practicalities of governance versus abstract philosophy
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The happiness of the people is the supreme law.

c. 1740s — From his political philosophy, emphasizing the welfare of his subjects
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am not a king, I am a soldier.

c. 1750s-1760s — From his self-perception, emphasizing his military role and dedication
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If my soldiers began to think, not one would remain in the ranks.

1740s — On military discipline
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The more I see of men, the better I like my dog.

1770s — Attributed, possibly apocryphal
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Religion is the idol of the mob.

1760s — Private correspondence
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

An educated people can be easily governed.

1760s — On education policy
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Diplomacy without arms is like music without instruments.

1750s — On military power
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

I must govern like a philosopher.

1750s — Letter to Voltaire
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It is disgusting to notice the increase in the quantity of coffee used by my subjects, and the amount of money that goes out of the country as a consequence. Everybody is using coffee; this must be prevented. His Majesty was brought up on beer, and so were both his ancestors and officers. Many battles have been fought and won by soldiers nourished on beer, and the King does not believe that coffee-drinking soldiers can be relied upon to endure hardships in case of another war.

1777 — Edict regarding coffee consumption, promoting beer.
Humorous Unverifiable

Dogs, would you live forever?

1757 — Rallying cry to retreating Prussian troops at the Battle of Kolin.
Humorous Unverifiable

Can you keep a secret? — Yes sire! — Good, so can I.

Approx. 18th Century — To a general pressing him for his plans.
Humorous Unverifiable

Madame has become more stout.

Approx. 18th Century — Upon seeing his estranged wife for the first time in six years.
Humorous Unverifiable

The more I see of people, the more I love my dog.

Approx. 18th Century — General observation on human nature. While widely attributed, its primary source from Frederick is d…
Humorous Unverifiable

All religions must be tolerated... every man must go to heaven in his own way.

Approx. 18th Century — On religious tolerance.
Humorous Unverifiable