Quotes by Frederick the Great

About Frederick the Great:

Frederick II was the third Hohenzollern king, reigning over the Kingdom of Prussia from 1740 until 1786. Frederick's achievements during his reign included his military victories, his reorganization of Prussian armies, his patronage of the Arts and the Enlightenment in Prussia, and his final success against great odds in the Seven Years' War. He became known as Frederick the Great (Friedrich der Große) and was nicknamed Der Alte Fritz ("Old Fritz") by the Prussian people.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Nowadays it is seen as a shame, to marry a girl who is a mother, who has never been married. I want to get rid of that prejudice.

Frederick the Great

He who defends everything defends nothing.

Frederick the Great

A crown is merely a hat that lets the rain in.

Frederick the Great

What is the good of experience if you do not reflect?

Frederick the Great

An educated people can be easily governed.

Frederick the Great

Don't forget your great guns, which are the most respectable arguments of the rights of kings.

Frederick the Great

I begin by taking. I shall find scholars later to demonstrate my perfect right.

Frederick the Great

The greatest and noblest pleasure which we have in this world is to discover new truths, and the next is to shake off old prejudices.

Frederick the Great

My people and I have come to an agreement which satisfied us both. They are to say what they please, and I am to do what I please.

Frederick the Great

If my soldiers were to begin to think, not one of them would remain in the army.

Frederick the Great

Rogues, would you live forever?

Frederick the Great

It seems to me that man is made to act rather than to know: the principles of things escape our most persevering researches.

Frederick the Great

Every man has a wild beast within him.

Frederick the Great

Die Religionen Müsen alle Tolleriret werden und Mus der fiscal nuhr das auge darauf haben, das keine der andern abruch Tuhe, den hier mus ein jeder nach Seiner Fasson Selich werden!"

Frederick the Great

As to your Newton, I confess I do not understand his void and his gravity; I admit he has demonstrated the movement of the heavenly bodies with more exactitude than his forerunners; but you will admit it is an absurdity to maintain the existence of N...

Frederick the Great

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 the Great

Diplomacy without arms is like a concert without a score

Frederick the Great

The Miracle of the House of Brandenburg had come to pass.

Frederick the Great

Religion is the idol of the mob; it adores everything it does not understand.

Frederick the Great

Author Bio

  • NameFrederick the Great
  • Descriptionking of Prussia
  • AliasesFrederick the Great
  • BornJanuary 24, 1712
  • DiedAugust 17, 1786
  • CountryKingdom Of Prussia
  • ProfessionComposer; Writer
  • AwardsOrder Of The Black Eagle; Order Of The White Eagle