History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 16Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 16
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
This of Sans-Souci is but portion of a wider Tendency, wider set of
endeavors on Friedrich's part, which returns upon him now that Peace has
returned: That of improving his own Domesticities, while he labors at
so many public improvements. Gazing long on that simmering "Typhoon
of Marine-stores" above mentioned, we do trace Three great Heads of
Endeavor in this Peace Period. FIRST, the Reform of Law; which, as above
hinted, is now earnestly pushed forward again, and was brought to what
was thought completion before long. With much rumor of applause from
contemporary mankind. Concerning which we are to give some indications,
were it only dates in their order: though, as the affair turned out
not to be completed, but had to be taken up again long after, and is an
affair lying wide of British ken,--there need not, and indeed cannot,
be much said of it just now. SECONDLY, there is eager Furthering of the
Husbandries, the Commerces, Practical Arts,--especially at present, that
of Foreign Commerce, and Shipping from the Port of Embden. Which shall
have due notice. And THIRDLY, what must be our main topic here, there
is that of Improving the Domesticities, the Household Enjoyments such
as they were;--especially definable as Renewal of the old Reinsberg
Program; attempt more strenuous than ever to realize that beautiful
ideal. Which, and the total failure of which, and the consequent
quasi-abandonment of it for time coming, are still, intrinsically and by
accident, of considerable interest to modern readers.
Curious, and in some sort touching, to observe how that old original
Life-Program still re-emerges on this King: "Something of melodious
possible in one's poor life, is not there? A Life to the Practical
Duties, yes; but to the Muses as well!"--Of Friedrich's success in
his Law-Reforms, in his Husbandries, Commerces and Furtherances,
conspicuously great as it was, there is no possibility of making
careless readers cognizant at this day. Only by the great results--a
"Prussia QUADRUPLED" in his time, and the like--can studious readers
convince themselves, in a cold and merely statistic way. But in respect
of Life to the Muses, we have happily the means of showing that in
actual vitality; in practical struggle towards fulfillment,--and how
extremely disappointing the result was. In a word, Voltaire pays his
Fifth and final Visit in this Period; the Voltaire matter comes to its
consummation. To that, as to one of the few things which are perfectly
knowable in this Period of TEN-YEARS PEACE, and in which mankind still
take interest, we purpose mostly to devote ourselves here.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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