Frederick the Great – The Genius

In the Age of Enlightenment, the dictators of progress sat on the throne, seeing their vocation as making the backward humanity happy.

Frederick the Great proved to be a true philosopher, even through his mere tolerance. He was not tolerant as a free thinker, but as a genius. The genius tolerates everything because, in a latent way, they carry within themselves all conceivable examples of humanity and all the impulses of the soul; they are capable of adapting to everything because they possess creative imagination. Frederick the Great practiced true patience — this simply means recognizing every foreign individuality along with its laws. Therefore, he tolerated reaction as well, being far more patient with the Jesuits, for example, than the Roman emperors. The latter closed monasteries, while Frederick rebuilt burned Catholic churches. He had sufficient understanding for all other perspectives and allowed them to manifest in practice.

He was a spiritualist and ideologist, because he always started from abstract principles and direct spiritual foundational experiences. This was counterbalanced by his highly developed intellectual flexibility, his ability to adjust to the conditions imposed by reality. He was extremely stubborn and conservative in theoretical matters, but equally agile and progressive when applying his theories to life; this duality was a fundamental condition for all productive thinking and action.

Among his characteristically genius traits was his unrestrained honesty. As a politician, he did not shy away from making the whole world appear foolish; it was almost his ambition to surpass all his opponents in trickery and duplicity. Yet, in an era of resounding lies and empty masks, he was one of the most sincere people who ever lived. For him, falseness was merely professional jargon, which he masterfully handled in his official activities. However, in those matters that were truly serious and important to him, he was guided by the most incorruptible love for the truth and the most ruthless self-criticism. This is why, despite his birth and rank, his abilities and deeds, which placed him far above his fellow men, he continues to live in the memory of posterity almost as a private personality, devoid of any historical halo.

This is further complemented by a whole series of lovable traits. The great ruler declared that only the writer truly deserves the name of glory. During his military campaigns, he diligently composed poetry, and he wanted to learn from every notable writer. How appealing and royal-less it is that he hated hunting! His wit permeated every manifestation of his life like a fine essence. Even his decrees were splendid golden sayings, and he had a lively attraction to all mischief. In this, no malice was revealed, only the indestructible childishness and the sovereign artistic instinct for play.

Egon Friedell "Az újkori kultúra története III." Holnap Kiadó, Budapest, 1989