18th-Century Characters, Including Frederick the Great, Discussion Post 33

[cahn]

And, I mean, it doesn't have to be just 18th century characters, either!

(also, waiting for Yuletide!)

Comments

Re: Derek Beales: Joseph II, Volume 1: In the Shadow of Maria Theresia 1741 - 1780

[mildred_of_midgard]

"Emperor Joseph is a philanthropist, he just can't stand people".

A less concise version, applied to Rousseau, makes it into that biography of Diderot I read a while back, and it made me laugh.

Throughout his writings, Rousseau had professored a love of humanity that knew no bounds; his real problem was getting along with actual humans, with their foibles, their inconsistencies, and their self-absorption, especialy when it got in the way of his own.

If I were an absolute monarch, and raised as one, I very much fear I'd go "my way or the highway", too. Born mediators are rarely heirs to absolute thrones.

Oh, god, I don't *fear* I would, I know I would! I've already gotten feedback at work about being too rigid and abrasive. I don't understand why everyone doesn't jump for joy at my proposed reforms. :P