Catherine the Great: 'I shall be an autocrat, that's my trade and the good Lord will forgive me, that's his.'

I shall be an autocrat, that's my trade and the good Lord will forgive me, that's his.

Catherine the Great, the Empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796, was known for her strong-willed and assertive personality. One of her most famous quotes, "I shall be an autocrat, that's my trade and the good Lord will forgive me, that's his," encapsulates her sense of self-assuredness and highlights the intriguing balance between power and divine forgiveness. This quote, in a straightforward manner, refers to Catherine's acceptance of her autocratic rule and her confidence in her ability to govern. However, beneath the surface lies a deeper philosophical concept that delves into the relationship between personal agency, moral responsibility, and the forgiveness of a higher power.At first glance, Catherine's statement may seem bold and perhaps even controversial. It suggests that she considers autocracy, a system of government in which one person holds absolute power, as not only a professional duty but also an inherent part of her identity. By acknowledging this, she displays a profound acceptance of her role as an autocrat. This uncompromising declaration reflects her determination to exercise authority over her subjects and maintain the stability of her empire.Furthermore, Catherine's claim that the "good Lord will forgive me" adds a layer of complexity to the quote. It implies Catherine's awareness of her moral responsibilities as an autocrat, as well as her belief in an ultimate judgment by a higher power. In her worldview, the divine forgiveness acts as a kind of absolution for any potential wrongdoings committed in the pursuit of her autocratic rule. This notion raises intriguing questions about the ethics of governance and the extent to which personal ambition can be justified, even if it means exercising absolute power over others.To examine this concept further, let us turn to the contrasting philosophical idea of moral relativism. Moral relativism posits that moral principles are subjective and vary from person to person, culture to culture, or situation to situation. In this framework, concepts such as "right" or "wrong" become heavily influenced by individual perspectives, rendering any objective moral truths uncertain. When considering Catherine's assertion as an autocrat, this philosophical concept challenges the idea of a universal moral standard that she believes the "good Lord" will judge her against.The tension between Catherine's belief in her own autocratic rule as her trade and the idea of divine forgiveness opens up a fascinating dialogue about the ethics involved in wielding unchecked power. While Catherine may have felt secure in the belief that her actions would be forgiven by a higher power, questioning the validity of an objective moral truth challenges the very foundation of her claim. If moral relativism holds true, then the concept of being definitively forgiven for one's actions becomes inherently subjective.In conclusion, Catherine the Great's quote, "I shall be an autocrat, that's my trade and the good Lord will forgive me, that's his," provides insight into her bold approach to governance and her confidence in her ability to rule. However, it also prompts deeper philosophical considerations about the nature of power, morality, and forgiveness. By contrasting Catherine's belief in her autocracy with the concept of moral relativism, we can engage in a thought-provoking exploration of the ethical implications of wielding absolute power.