Think Like a Conqueror

Though the couple eventually produced a legal heir, a son Paul in 1754,

well as the most important skillset required of an 18th century princess: etiquette, decorum, and all the refined social attainments needed to navigate the complex social circuit of ballrooms and operas

She was born Princess Sophie Auguste Friederike of Anhalt-Zerbst in Germany (more correctly, in the kingdom of Prussia), and was rechristened Catherine in 1744, when she converted to Russian Orthodox Christianity at 14.

The greatest and truest ideas will only ever have value when applied, and applied skillfully.

could include our own weaknesses and fears. When we take our fate into our own hands, when we claim territory beyond our limits, and when we defeat those things that stand in the way of what we most yearn for, then we are conquerors.

the great leaders and conquers of old were so successful precisely because they did not do as others did. They did not always follow the rules, nor respect prevailing authority.

If you want to be physically fit, identify someone who is already fit, and do what they do.

Rather, the great leaders and conquers of old were so successful precisely because they did not do as others did. They did not always follow the rules, nor respect prevailing authority.

It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”

- Sir Edmund Hillary