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It is pardonable to be defeated, but never to be surprised.

Frederick The Great

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Frederick The Great
Defeated
Surprised
Never
Pardonable

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The people say what they like and then I do what I like
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Our work is to present things that are as they are.
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Neither antiquity nor any other nation has imagined a more atrocious and blasphemous absurdity than that of eating God. This is how Christians treat the autocrat of the universe.
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Though I may not be a king in my future life, so much the better: I shall nevertheless live an active life and, on top of it, earn less ingratitude.
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It is disgusting to note the increase in the quantity of coffee used by my subjects and the amount of money that goes out of the country in consequence. Everybody is using coffee. If possible, this must be prevented. My people must drink beer.
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I am up and about when I am ill, and in the most appalling weather. I am on horseback when other men would be flat out on their beds, complaining. We are made for action, and activity is the sovereign remedy for all physical ills.
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The more I see of men, the better I like my dog.
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Little minds try to defend everything at once, but sensible people look at the main point only they parry the worst blows and stand a little hurt if thereby they avoid a greater one. If you try to hold everything, you hold nothing.
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I have no fault to find with those who teach geometry. That science is the only one which has not produced sects it is founded on analysis and on synthesis and on the calculus it does not occupy itself with the probable truth moreover it has the same method in every country.
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It is the fashion these days to make war, and presumably it will last a while yet.
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Man is made for error it enters his mind naturally, and he discovers a few truths only with the greatest effort.
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No government can exist without taxation. The money must necessarily be levied on the people and the grand art consists of levying so as not to oppress.
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Artillery adds dignity, to what would otherwise be an ugly brawl.
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Great advantage is drawn from knowledge of your adversary, and when you know the measure of his intelligence and character, you can use it to play on his weakness.
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If I wished to punish a province, I would have it governed by philosophers.
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A king is the first servant and first magistrate of the state.
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My people and I have come to an agreement which satisfies us both. They are to do what they please, and I am to do what I please.
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I think it better to keep a profound silence with regard to the Christian fables, which are canonized by their antiquity and the credulity of absurd and insipid people.
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If soldiers were to begin to think, not one of them would remain in the army.
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Be more than you seem to be.
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