Book: Diary of the Empress

... in general, I consider Russia for foreigners as a touchstone of their merits and that those who succeeded in Russia could be sure of success throughout Europe. I have always considered this remark to be unmistakable, for nowhere, as in Russia, are there such masters of noticing the weaknesses, ridiculous sides or shortcomings of a foreigner; you can be sure that nothing will be let him down, because, naturally, every Russian in the depths of his soul does not like a single foreigner.