Frederick the Great

"The key to greatness is the willingness to appear foolish in pursuit of wisdom."

"A nation without philosophy is a nation without a soul."

"To write well is to think well; to think well is to live well."

"The greatest freedom is freedom from the opinions of others."

"I would rather command with love than rule through fear, yet I have done both."

"The test of a man's character is how he treats those who can do nothing for him."

"Every moment of weakness is an opportunity to demonstrate strength."

"The future is written by those bold enough to seize their pen."

"To understand your enemy is the first step to defeating him or befriending him."

"A laugh shared is a bond forged."

"The pursuit of knowledge is the only pursuit that never fails to enrich."

"In my heart, I am a philosopher; in my throne, I am a king; in my dreams, I am free."

"I have never loved myself better than others, but I have always loved my duty more than myself."

"The greatest kings are those who know when to lay down their crowns."

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."

"A king is not born; he is made through constant struggle and sacrifice."

"The purpose of all wars is peace."

"I am merely the first servant of the state."

"Without music, life would be a mistake—but with it, mistakes become art."

"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas and still function."

"Men are born equal, but inequality is the work of time and circumstance."

"I have lost many battles, but each taught me how to win."

"The greatest pleasure is to outwit one's enemies with benevolence."

"Time is the substance of which life is made; waste it not."

"A philosopher-king must govern not with passion, but with reason."

"The measure of a man is not his possessions, but his principles."

"To read is to travel without leaving one's chamber."

"Fortune favors the bold, but wisdom favors the prepared."

"I have learned that kindness is the greatest weapon against tyranny."

"The art of war is simple: divide your enemies and unite your people."