Alexander I of Russia

“Emperor Alexander was undoubtedly intelligent, but his intellect, subtle and penetrating, lacked depth. He was also easily led astray by a decided penchant for false theories. His favorite ideas always prevailed in his mind; he adopted them by sudden inspiration and gave himself over to them with the utmost ardor; soon they took such possession of him that his will was subordinated to those who instilled them.”

“If someone cuts off your arm, no doubt you would shout and cry in paint; last night I was deprived of Speransky and he was my right arm. [...] You will examine [his] papers but you will find nothing; he was not a traitor”