Baron de Breteuil as quoted in A Source Book for Russian History Vol. 2 (1972) by George Vernadsky
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This princess seems to combine every kind of ambition in her person. Everything that may add luster to her reign will have some attraction for her. Science and the arts will be encouraged to flourish in the empire, projects useful for the domestic economy will be undertaken. She will endeavor to reform the administration of justice and to invigorate the laws; but her policies will be based on Machiavellianism; and I should not be surprised if in this field she rivals the king of Prussia. She will adopt the prejudices of her entourage regarding the superiority of her power and will endeavor to win respect not by the sincerity and probity of her actions but also by an ostentatious display of her strength. Haughty as she is, she will stubbornly pursue her undertakings and will rarely retrace a false step. Cunning and falsity appear to be vices in her character; woe to him who puts too much trust in her. Love affairs may become a stumbling block to her ambition and prove fatal for her peace of mind. This passionate princess, still held in check by the fear and consciousness of internal troubles, will know no restraint once she believes herself firmly established.

— Baron de Breteuil

What It Means

This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "This princess seems to combine every kind of ambition in her person. Everything that may add luster to her reign will have some attraction for her. Science and the arts will be encouraged to flourish in the empire, projects useful for the domestic economy will be undertaken. She will endeavor to reform the administration of justice and to invigorate the laws; but her policies will be based on Machiavellianism; and I should not be surprised if in this field she rivals the king of Prussia. She will adopt the prejudices of her entourage regarding the superiority of her power and will endeavor to win respect not by the sincerity and probity of her actions but also by an ostentatious display of her strength. Haughty as she is, she will stubbornly pursue her undertakings and will rarely retrace a false step. Cunning and falsity appear to be vices in her character; woe to him who puts too much trust in her. Love affairs may become a stumbling block to her ambition and prove fatal for her peace of mind. This passionate princess, still held in check by the fear and consciousness of internal troubles, will know no restraint once she believes herself firmly established." in the context of "Baron de Breteuil as quoted in A Source Book for Russian History Vol. 2 (1972) by George Vernadsky" to mean that wisdom is timeless.

Source: Wikiquote: "Catherine II of Russia" (Quotes about Catherine II) The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
Catherine II of Russia

About Catherine II of Russia

Catherine II of Russia or Catherine the Great (Екатерина II Алексеевна Yekaterína II Alekséyevna (21 April 1729 {2 May O.S.} – 6 November 1796 {17 November O.S.}) reigned as Empress of Russia for more than three decades; born Sophie Augusta Fredericka of Anhalt-Zerbst. She was the daughter of Christian August, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, and Joanna Elisabeth of Golstein-Gottorp.