“In my position you have to read when you want to write and to talk when you would like to read.”
- May 2, 1729 – November 17, 1796
- Russian
- Empress of Russia, Enlightened Absolutist, Longest-Ruling Female Leader of Russia
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Quote
“In my position you have to read when you want to write and to talk when you would like to read.”
Explanation
This quote expresses the tension between personal desire and public duty experienced by Catherine the Great as a ruler. She laments that in her role, she must read when she wishes to write, and talk when she would rather read, highlighting how leadership often forces one to prioritize others’ needs over one’s own intellectual pursuits. It is a reflection of how the responsibilities of power can interrupt or even suppress one’s creative and contemplative instincts.
Catherine, a prolific writer and correspondent, deeply valued reading and philosophical exploration. Yet, as Empress of Russia, her time was consumed by statecraft, diplomacy, and courtly obligations. The quote reveals her frustration with the constant demands of rulership, which often conflicted with her Enlightenment-driven thirst for knowledge and expression. It captures the personal sacrifices made by those in high office, particularly those who, like Catherine, possess a strong intellectual nature.
In the modern context, this quote resonates with anyone in positions of leadership or responsibility—from executives to educators to parents—who find their time fragmented by demands that distract from their passions. It serves as a poignant reminder that power is often accompanied by a loss of autonomy, and that the higher the position, the more difficult it is to align daily duties with personal aspirations.
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