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

Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796, is understood for her enlightened, yet autocratic rule. The quote, "I shall be an autocrat, that's my trade; and the great Lord will forgive me, that's his", provides a fascinating glance into her self-perception and understanding of her function as a ruler.

The statement exposes Catherine's acceptance and accept of her autocratic position. By using the expression "that's my trade", she acknowledges her role as one needing ability, obligation, and maybe ethical uncertainty. She sees autocracy as her occupation, much like any other craft or trade where efficiency and devotion are required. This recommends a practical technique to her governance, seeing her management as a responsibility that requires decisiveness and authority.

Her reference to the "excellent Lord" forgiving her recommends an awareness of the ethical complexities and prospective ethical disobediences fundamental in wielding absolute power. It suggests that she understands the divine or moral judgment that may apply to her actions. This part of the quote reflects a nuanced understanding of power, suggesting that while she feels warranted and possibly compelled to rule autocratically, she also acknowledges her restrictions and the prospective need for divine forgiveness.

In addition, this acknowledgment of divine forgiveness highlights a typical belief in the divine right of kings, where rulers were viewed as selected by God and, thus, based on His judgment alone. However, there's also a tip of irony in her words, as if she is difficult or questioning the moral structure that enables autocratic rule to be justified by divine approval.

Overall, Catherine's quote encapsulates the dispute between power and morality. It expresses a ruler's internal discussion about the ethical implications of their choices and actions, revealing the intrinsic tension between maintaining outright control and adhering to a greater ethical or ethical requirement. This candid reflection highlights Catherine the Great as a ruler who was not only conscious of her power but also of the moral responsibilities that came with it.