Frederick the Great:

My people and I have come to an agreement which satisfies us both. They are to say what they please, and I am to do what I please.

— Frederick the Great Early Modern

Prussian king

Reported anecdote about his approach to governance and freedom of speech

c. 1770s

Verification

Confirmed

Found in 3 providers: grok,deepseek,gemini

Cross Reference

3 sources

"An educated people can be easily governed."

"My heart belongs to my friends, but my life to the State."

"Every man has a right to his own opinion, and to express it freely."

"The greatest error of all is to do nothing because you can only do a little. Do what you can."

"Religion is the idol of the mob."