If my soldiers were to begin to think, not one would remain in the ranks
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Soldiers
Rogues, would you live forever?
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Army, Navy, The Military
It seems to me that man is made to act rather than to know: the principles of things escape our most persevering researches.
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Action, Knowledge
Pleasure is the most real good in this life.
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Pleasure
Our work is to present things that are as they are.
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Writing, Writers, Authors & Writing
The greatest and noblest pleasure which men can have in this world is to discover new truths; and the next is to shake off old prejudices.
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Prejudice, Truth, Tolerance, Pleasure
I must in the face of a storm, think, live and die as a king.
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Destiny
Religion is the idol of the mob; it adores everything it does not understand.
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Religion
What is the good of experience if you do not reflect.
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Experience
I love opposition that has convictions.
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Dissent, Opposition
Truth is a thing immortal and perpetual, and it gives to us a beauty that fades not away in time.
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Truth
Every man must get to Heaven his own way.
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Individuality, Appropriateness, Aptness
Don’t forget your great guns, which are the most respectable arguments of the rights of kings.
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Kings, Royalty, Queens
Audacity, audacity-always audacity.
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Courage
An educated people can be easily governed.
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Government
Of satires I think as Epictetus did: “If evil be said of thee, and if it be true, correct thyself; if it be a lie, laugh at it.” By dint of time and experience I have learned to be a good post-horse; I go through my appointed daily stage, and care not for the eurs who bark at me along the road.
—Frederick II of Prussia
Man is made for error; it enters his mind naturally, and he discovers a few truths only with the greatest effort.
—Frederick II of Prussia
In trying to defend everything he defended nothing.
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Focus, Concentration
They say that kings are made in the image of God. If that is what he looks like, I feel sorry for God.
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Kings, Royalty, Queens
If I wished to punish a province, I would have it governed by philosophers.
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Philosophy, Philosophers
Talents go by nature not by birth.
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Talent
All religions must be tolerated… for… every man must get to heaven his own way.
—Frederick II of Prussia
Topics: Religion
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