In the annals of history, few monarchs have left as lasting an imprint on both the political and intellectual spheres as Frederick II, commonly known as Frederick the Great. Born in 1712, Frederick ascended to the throne of Prussia in 1740, embarking on a transformative reign that combined military prowess with an unparalleled commitment to philosophical discourse. The present English selection of Frederick’s writings aims to shift the focus from the overshadowed military and political exploits to the philosophical underpinnings that marked his reign. This review explores the depth and breadth of Frederick’s literary contributions, unraveling the intricate interplay between his political actions and philosophical musings.
The Unusual Authorship of an Absolutist Monarch
Frederick’s foray into public authorship was an anomaly in the eighteenth century, where hereditary monarchs typically distanced themselves from direct engagement with the public sphere. Unlike his contemporaries, Frederick identified himself as an intellectual from a young age, even signing a letter as “Fédéric le philosophe” at the age of sixteen. This departure from traditional norms not only highlighted Frederick’s commitment to intellectual pursuits but also exposed him to the vicissitudes of the public arena, including unfavorable reviews, refutations, and pirated editions.
The dichotomy between Frederick’s political actions and his philosophical writings has fueled scholarly debate for centuries. The prevailing perception of a contradiction between the Enlightenment author and the absolutist ruler is scrutinized in this review, aiming to reconcile the apparent disparities. By delving into the substance of Frederick’s writings and their reception, we seek to understand the intricate relationship between his political conduct and the ideas he propagated.
Making Prussia Great: A Transformative Reign
Frederick’s accession to the throne in 1740 marked a turning point for Prussia. Inherited from his father, Frederick William I, was a state with sound financial health and a formidable army. Despite the relatively small size of his territories, Frederick’s strategic reforms and military successes elevated Prussia to international prominence. The acquisition of Silesia through bold military campaigns in the First and Second Silesian Wars showcased Frederick’s political acumen.
The subsequent Seven Years’ War, a global conflict, tested Prussia’s resilience. Frederick, facing daunting odds, navigated a series of victories and defeats, ultimately securing Prussia’s survival. His post-war efforts to rebuild and expand Prussia’s influence established him as “the Great.” The geopolitical landscape underwent further transformation with the first partition of Poland in 1772, solidifying Prussia’s standing as a major European power.
Enlightened Absolutism: Reconciling Ideals and Realities
The tension between Frederick’s Enlightenment ideals and his absolutist governance has long intrigued historians. The concept of Enlightened Absolutism, embodied by monarchs like Frederick, Catherine II of Russia, and Joseph II of Austria, involved implementing reforms reflective of Enlightenment values while maintaining absolute rule. This section explores the debate surrounding the perceived contradiction between Frederick’s political agency and his philosophical writings.
A key aspect of Frederick’s political theory, rooted in social contract theory, is examined to discern the origins of his ideas. Frederick’s unique synthesis of modern and ancient philosophical elements, combined with his commitment to the pursuit of self-love, sheds light on the complexity of his intellectual contributions. The review contends that understanding Frederick’s writings necessitates a nuanced analysis, considering the broader intellectual context of the eighteenth century.
Frederick the Great’s philosophical writings, often overshadowed by his military achievements, offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind of an Enlightenment monarch. This review strives to reconcile the apparent contradictions between his political actions and intellectual pursuits, emphasizing the significance of analyzing Frederick’s writings on their own terms. By exploring the depth and diversity of his literary legacy, we gain a more nuanced understanding of Frederick’s role as a philosopher-king and the enduring impact of his ideas on the Enlightenment era.
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