The eighteenth century in Europe was a period of profound intellectual transformation and violent geopolitical shifting, a dualism perfectly embodied by Frederick II of Prussia, known to history as Frederick the Great. Born in 1712 into the austere and militaristic court of his father, Frederick William I, the young prince endured a brutal upbringing that sought to crush his artistic spirit and mold him into a disciplined soldier. His father, known as the Soldier King, despised literature, music, and French culture, all of which the young Frederick adored. This intergenerational conflict, culminating in the execution of Frederick's closest friend before his eyes after a failed escape attempt, forged a complex psychology that would define his reign. He ascended the throne in 1740, carrying the scars of his youth but also a burning intellect that sought to reconcile the absolute power of a monarch with the humanistic ideals of the Enlightenment.
Frederick is the archetype of the Enlightened Despot, a ruler who believed that the sovereign held absolute authority not by divine right, but by social contract, serving as the first servant of the state rather than its owner. His reign transformed Prussia from a scattered collection of territories into a foremost European power, doubling its population and vastly increasing its territory through the Silesian Wars and the Partition of Poland. Yet, he was not merely a conqueror; he was a prolific writer, a composer of flute concertos, a correspondent of Voltaire, and a reformer who abolished torture, promoted religious tolerance, and drained swamps to create arable land. His court at Sanssouci became a beacon of culture, rivaling Versailles, yet stripped of its stifling etiquette.
The paradox of Frederick II lies in the tension between his philosophical ideals and his political pragmatism. He wrote the Anti-Machiavel, arguing for a moral kingship, yet launched a surprise invasion of Silesia months after his coronation. He championed freedom of thought but demanded absolute obedience in action. This complexity makes him one of the most fascinating figures in history, a man who could discuss poetry in the morning and lead a cavalry charge in the afternoon. His legacy is the foundation of modern Germany, the professionalization of the bureaucracy, and a concept of statecraft where duty supersedes personal desire. To understand Frederick is to understand the friction between the high ideals of reason and the brutal realities of power.
50 Popular Quotes from Frederick the Great
The Duties of a Sovereign and Statecraft
"The ruler is the first servant of the state."
This is perhaps the most defining statement of Frederick's political philosophy, marking a radical departure from the traditional concept of monarchy. Unlike his contemporary Louis XIV, who famously equated the state with himself, Frederick viewed his position as a functional office with heavy responsibilities toward the citizenry. He believed that a king's power was justified only by his utility to the nation and his ability to ensure its prosperity and security. This ethos of service laid the groundwork for the efficient, duty-bound Prussian bureaucracy that became the envy of Europe.
"A crown is merely a hat that lets the rain in."
In this moment of candor, Frederick strips away the glamour and mystique usually associated with royalty to reveal the burden of leadership. He understood that the symbols of power offered no protection against the harsh realities of governance, war, and political isolation. The quote reflects his stoic nature and his disdain for the pomp and ceremony that distracted other monarchs from the actual work of ruling. It serves as a reminder that high office brings with it exposure to criticism and crisis rather than comfort.
"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."
This witticism perfectly encapsulates the unique nature of Prussian Enlightened Absolutism, balancing intellectual freedom with political autocracy. Frederick allowed a remarkable degree of freedom of speech and press, particularly regarding religion and philosophy, provided that this freedom did not translate into political rebellion. He believed that as long as his subjects obeyed his laws and paid their taxes, their private thoughts and public gripes were of little consequence to his authority. It highlights his cynical yet pragmatic confidence in his own absolute power.
"Diplomacy without arms is like music without instruments."
Frederick was a patron of the arts, but he was under no illusions regarding the nature of international relations in the 18th century. He understood that treaties, negotiations, and alliances were meaningless unless backed by the credible threat of military force. This realist perspective drove him to maintain a standing army that was disproportionately large for Prussia's population, ensuring that his diplomats were always listened to in the courts of Europe. It is a foundational maxim of Realpolitik that remains relevant in modern geopolitical strategy.
"If I wished to punish a province, I would have it governed by philosophers."
Despite his love for philosophy and his friendship with intellectuals like Voltaire, Frederick remained skeptical of their ability to manage the practical affairs of state. He recognized that the abstract theories of the Enlightenment often failed when applied to the messy, complex realities of economics and human behavior. This quote reveals the divide between his intellectual hobbies and his professional governance, suggesting that idealism must be tempered with hard-nosed pragmatism to run a country effectively.
"Politics is the science of the fleeting."
Here, Frederick acknowledges the volatile and unpredictable nature of statecraft, where alliances shift and fortunes change with incredible speed. He was a master of adaptation, famously surviving the Seven Years' War when all seemed lost, often by capitalizing on sudden changes in the geopolitical landscape, such as the death of the Russian Empress Elizabeth. This quote suggests that a ruler must remain flexible and alert, ready to discard yesterday's strategy if it no longer fits today's reality. It is a rejection of rigid dogma in favor of fluid adaptability.
"It is not necessary to live, but it is necessary to do one's duty."
This severe maxim reflects the Stoic philosophy that guided Frederick's life and became the ethos of the Prussian officer corps. He viewed his own existence as secondary to the needs of the state, often risking his life in battle and working exhausting hours in administration. The sentiment rejects the pursuit of personal happiness as the ultimate goal of life, replacing it with the fulfillment of one's obligations to society and the nation. It is the ultimate expression of self-abnegation in the name of a higher cause.
"A well-conducted government must have an underlying concept so well integrated that it could be likened to a system of philosophy."
Frederick was an obsessive micromanager who believed that a state should function like a finely tuned machine or a coherent logical argument. He sought to centralize power and standardize laws, creating the General State Laws for the Prussian States, which codified the legal system. This quote emphasizes his belief in rational governance, where every policy and decision is connected to a central vision of state welfare. It argues against capricious or arbitrary rule in favor of systematic administration.
"He who seeks to deceive will always find someone who will let himself be deceived."
In the treacherous waters of European diplomacy, Frederick was both a victim and a perpetrator of deception, and this quote reflects his cynical understanding of human gullibility. He understood that hope and greed often blind rival monarchs and statesmen to reality, allowing a shrewd operator to exploit their weaknesses. It serves as a warning to remain vigilant and skeptical, suggesting that critical thinking is the only defense against manipulation. This insight into human psychology was a key component of his success in foreign affairs.
"The greatest and noblest pleasure which men can have in this world is to discover new truths; and the next is to shake off old prejudices."
While he was an autocrat, Frederick was also a genuine child of the Enlightenment who valued intellectual progress and scientific inquiry. He revitalized the Berlin Academy of Sciences and encouraged the intake of French Huguenots and other thinkers who brought new ideas to Prussia. This quote celebrates the intellectual liberation of the era, positioning the pursuit of knowledge as a moral good. It frames his reign not just as a military endeavor, but as a project to modernize the mind of his nation.
War, Strategy, and Military Discipline
"An army marches on its stomach."
This is arguably Frederick's most famous contribution to military wisdom, emphasizing the critical importance of logistics over mere tactical brilliance. He understood that a starving soldier cannot march, fight, or maintain discipline, and that the most brilliant strategy will fail without a supply chain to support it. Throughout his campaigns, he paid meticulous attention to magazines, supply depots, and foraging, which allowed his troops to move faster than his enemies. It remains a fundamental truth of warfare that amateurs talk strategy while professionals talk logistics.
"He who defends everything defends nothing."
Frederick was a proponent of aggressive, mobile warfare and despised the passive cordon strategies used by his Austrian enemies. He believed that spreading forces thin to protect every border town left the army weak everywhere and vulnerable to a concentrated breakthrough. This maxim advocates for the concentration of force at a decisive point, accepting minor losses in secondary theaters to achieve a major victory in the primary one. It is a principle of prioritization that applies to strategy in business and life as much as in war.
"Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all."
The Prussian army under Frederick was renowned for its drill and discipline, capable of maneuvering and firing faster than any other force in Europe. He believed that rigorous training transformed a chaotic mob into a unified instrument of the commander's will, allowing them to stand firm under withering fire. This quote highlights that quality often beats quantity, explaining how Prussia, a small state, could hold off the combined might of France, Austria, and Russia. It frames discipline not as punishment, but as the source of collective strength.
"Rascals, would you live forever?"
Legend holds that Frederick shouted this to a hesitating unit of his guards during the Battle of Kolin when they flinched in the face of heavy Austrian artillery. It captures the dark humor and fatalism of the battlefield, challenging his soldiers to accept the inevitability of death and do their duty regardless. The quote reveals the intense, personal leadership style Frederick employed, leading from the front and shaming his men into bravery. It is a stark reminder of the brutal psychological reality of 18th-century linear warfare.
"Don’t forget your great guns, which are the most respectable arguments of the rights of kings."
Frederick often referred to his artillery as his most persuasive diplomats, acknowledging that legal claims to territory were ultimately decided by firepower. This cynical observation underscores the lawlessness of the international system of his time, where might made right. It suggests that while moral arguments have their place, physical power is the final arbiter of sovereignty. The quote is a testament to his reliance on military modernization and the expansion of the artillery corps.
"Always have the intention to attack; the defensive is only for the weak."
Frederick's signature tactic was the oblique order, an aggressive maneuver designed to crush one flank of the enemy line, which required an offensive mindset. He believed that seizing the initiative forced the enemy to react to his moves, disrupting their plans and damaging their morale. This preference for the offense was not just tactical but psychological, projecting an aura of invincibility even when he was outnumbered. It reflects a philosophy of action over reaction.
"War is not an affair of chance. A great deal of knowledge, study, and meditation is necessary to conduct it well."
Contrary to the image of the dashing hero, Frederick viewed generalship as an intellectual pursuit requiring deep study of history, geography, and mathematics. He wrote extensively on military theory and analyzed the campaigns of antiquity to refine his own methods. This quote dismisses the idea that victory is a matter of luck, asserting instead that it is the result of superior preparation and intellect. It elevates warfare from a brawl to a science.
"To be feared and to be loved by the soldiery is a contradiction; one must choose to be feared."
Echoing Machiavelli, Frederick believed that the strict discipline required in 18th-century armies could only be maintained through fear of the officers and the military code. While he cared for his troops' well-being, he enforced a brutal system of corporal punishment to ensure that soldiers feared their officers more than the enemy. This harsh pragmatism was deemed necessary to keep men in line while marching into cannon fire. It illustrates the cold calculus he applied to human management in extreme conditions.
"The greatest secret of war and the masterpiece of a skillful general is to starve his enemy."
While famous for his battles, Frederick often preferred to outmaneuver his opponents, cutting off their supply lines to force a retreat without shedding blood. He recognized that battle was risky and expensive, whereas logistical strangulation was a safer path to victory. This quote highlights the strategic depth of his thinking, valuing the indirect approach to weaken the adversary before the first shot is fired. It reinforces his earlier point about the primacy of logistics.
"Victory is to the faction that can endure the longest."
The Seven Years' War was a war of attrition, and Frederick's survival was due largely to his sheer stubbornness and ability to endure catastrophe. He understood that war tests the economic and psychological resilience of a nation as much as its military capacity. This quote suggests that grit and the refusal to capitulate are often more important than tactical brilliance. It is a testament to the "Prussian virtues" of endurance and fortitude.
Religion, Tolerance, and Justice
"All religions are equal and good and as long as those who practice them are honest people and wish to populate the land."
Frederick's approach to religion was intensely practical; he cared less about theology and more about the morality and economic utility of his subjects. By declaring all religions equal, he encouraged immigration from all over Europe, bringing valuable skills and taxpayers to Prussia. This quote reflects a utilitarian view of faith, judging it by the civic behavior of its believers rather than its spiritual truth. It was a revolutionary stance in an era still recovering from religious wars.
"I shall have no objection if Turks and heathens come and people the country, we will build them mosques and churches."
This famous declaration of tolerance was not hyperbole; it was an invitation to the world that Prussia was open for business regardless of creed. Frederick was desperate to repopulate areas devastated by war and plague, and he saw religious discrimination as an economic inefficiency. The mention of building mosques for Turks highlights how radical his tolerance was compared to his contemporaries. It underscores that for Frederick, the state's prosperity always trumped religious dogma.
"Every man must go to heaven in his own way."
This is perhaps the most personal and famous expression of Frederick's religious policy, asserting the individual's right to private conscience. He found the idea of state-enforced salvation ridiculous, believing that spiritual matters were between the individual and God (or the lack thereof). This policy reduced internal friction within his multi-confessional realm, particularly after the conquest of Catholic Silesia. It represents the core of Enlightenment individualism applied to the spiritual realm.
"The laws must be the same for the first as for the last."
Frederick worked tirelessly to reform the Prussian judicial system, seeking to eliminate the corruption and class bias that plagued European courts. He believed that for the state to be stable, the peasantry needed to trust in the fairness of the law, protecting them from the arbitrary cruelty of the nobility. This quote asserts the principle of equality before the law, a concept that was gaining traction but was rarely practiced. It shows his commitment to justice as a stabilizing force for the monarchy.
"A man that seeks truth and loves it must be reckoned precious to any human society."
Despite his cynicism, Frederick valued intellectual honesty and the courage to question established norms, including religious ones. He protected philosophers who were persecuted elsewhere, creating a haven for free thought in Berlin. This quote suggests that the pursuit of truth is a civic virtue that strengthens society, rather than a threat to it. It aligns him with the progressive currents of the Age of Reason.
"Superstition is the weakness of the human mind; it is inherent in this mind; it has always been, and it always will be."
Frederick was personally an agnostic or atheist who viewed organized religion, particularly the Catholic Church, with deep suspicion, labeling it as superstition. He tolerated religion as a tool for social order but privately despised what he saw as irrational beliefs. This quote reveals his pessimistic view of human intelligence, accepting that most people need myths to cope with existence. It establishes his intellectual distance from the subjects he ruled.
"Unjust laws are the spider webs of tyranny."
Frederick recognized that a legal system could be used as a weapon of oppression, and he sought to simplify and clarify Prussian law to prevent abuse. He ordered the codification of laws to ensure they were transparent and understandable, rather than traps for the unwary. This quote condemns the use of complex or unfair regulations to maintain power, advocating instead for a legal system based on reason and natural justice. It reflects his desire to be seen as a "just king."
"I am the first servant of the state, but I am also the protector of the poor."
While he relied on the nobility for his officer corps, Frederick often intervened to protect the peasantry from the worst excesses of feudalism. He understood that a destitute peasantry could not pay taxes or provide soldiers, so he implemented policies to secure their land rights and survival. This quote balances his autocratic role with a paternalistic duty toward the most vulnerable. It highlights the social contract aspect of his rule.
"Tolerance is a tender mother; she nurtures her children so that they may prosper."
Here, Frederick frames tolerance not just as a lack of persecution, but as an active, nurturing force that leads to societal growth. He saw the devastation caused by the expulsion of the Huguenots from France and the Jews from Spain as cautionary tales of intolerance leading to national decline. This quote serves as a metaphor for his belief that a diverse society is a robust and wealthy one. It is a pragmatic argument for diversity.
"Judges must deliver justice without delay, for justice delayed is justice denied."
Frederick was notorious for his impatience with the slow grind of the legal bureaucracy and famously intervened in the "Miller Arnold" case to force a decision. He believed that endless litigation ruined the lives of his subjects and undermined faith in the state. This quote emphasizes efficiency and speed in the judicial process, regarding bureaucratic inertia as a form of injustice itself. It showcases his drive to streamline the machinery of the state.
Philosophy, Arts, and Intellectualism
"Books are not absolutely dead things, but do contain a potency of life in them to be as active as that soul was whose progeny they are."
Frederick was a voracious reader who built an impressive library and spent his evenings immersed in literature. He believed that reading was a conversation with the greatest minds of history, allowing their wisdom to influence the present. This quote, echoing Milton, attributes a living spirit to literature, suggesting that ideas have the power to shape reality. It reveals the depth of his respect for the written word.
"Without the arts, a king is merely a crowned donkey."
Frederick despised the boorish, anti-intellectual atmosphere of his father's court and vowed to make his own reign a celebration of culture. He believed that military and political power were hollow without the refinement of music, poetry, and philosophy. This quote is a stinging rebuke of rulers who neglect culture, asserting that true majesty comes from the mind, not just the scepter. It explains his massive investment in the Berlin State Opera and his own flute playing.
"I have lived as a philosopher and I wish to be buried as such, without pomp, without display, without the slightest ceremony."
In his will, Frederick requested a simple burial next to his greyhounds on the terrace of Sanssouci, rejecting the grand royal tombs of his ancestors. This desire reflects his ultimate identification as a philosopher rather than a king, valuing simplicity and truth over royal pageantry. The quote serves as a final testament to his rejection of religious and royal dogma. It underscores his desire for a legacy defined by his mind rather than his titles.
"The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind; for by it we are carried away from our present calamities."
During the darkest days of the Seven Years' War, Frederick found solace in reading history, realizing that other leaders had faced and overcome similar disasters. He viewed history as a source of perspective, reducing the overwhelming pain of the present by placing it in a larger context. This quote advocates for intellectual engagement as a form of therapy and resilience. It shows how he used his education to maintain his sanity under pressure.
"Talent is the capacity for doing something that depends on us; genius is the capacity for doing something that depends on nothing but itself."
Frederick often debated the nature of genius with Voltaire, distinguishing between learned skills and innate, transcendent ability. He recognized that while training could produce competence, true genius was a mysterious force of nature that broke rules and created new paradigms. This quote reflects his awe for the creative power of the artist and the visionary commander. It is an acknowledgment of the limits of discipline and the power of inspiration.
"To think is to live."
For Frederick, an unexamined life was not worth living; intellectual activity was the very essence of human existence. He spent hours composing poetry and music, viewing these activities not as leisure but as vital functions of his being. This succinct quote equates biological life with mental activity, suggesting that those who do not think are merely existing. It is the credo of the Rationalist.
"The more I read, the more I acquire, the more certain I am that I know nothing."
Echoing Socrates, Frederick maintained a degree of intellectual humility despite his vast knowledge. He understood that the universe was complex and that human understanding was always limited and provisional. This quote expresses the paradox of learning: that every answer breeds new questions. It showcases the skeptical, inquiring mind that prevented him from becoming a rigid ideologue.
"Prejudices are the reason of fools."
Frederick prided himself on his ability to reason from first principles rather than accepting inherited wisdom or popular opinion. He viewed prejudice as a mental shortcut for those too lazy or stupid to think for themselves. This quote is an attack on the irrational biases of the aristocracy and the church. It champions critical thinking as the mark of a superior mind.
"A man who does not love music is like a man who does not have a soul."
Music was Frederick's sanctuary; he played the flute daily and composed over 100 sonatas and four symphonies. He believed that music expressed emotions that words could not, and that sensitivity to music was a sign of a refined and empathetic character. This quote condemns the philistine, suggesting that an inability to appreciate art indicates a fundamental spiritual deficiency. It highlights the emotional depth hidden beneath his hardened exterior.
"We must cultivate our garden."
While this is the famous concluding line of Voltaire's *Candide*, it became a shared philosophy between the two men (despite their falling out). For Frederick, it meant focusing on the practical improvement of Prussia—draining swamps, planting potatoes, and building schools—rather than worrying about metaphysical unanswerables. This quote represents the shift from high theory to practical action. It is the essence of his domestic policy.
Human Nature and Cynicism
"The more I see of men, the more I love my dogs."
In his later years, Frederick became increasingly misanthropic, disappointed by the greed and stupidity of the people around him. He found in his greyhounds a loyalty and affection that he felt was absent in his courtiers and family. This famous quote captures his deep disillusionment with humanity and his retreat into the company of animals. It reveals the loneliness of the absolute monarch who could trust no one.
"Don't you know that people are a damned race?"
When an old general suggested that the soldiers would be loyal because they loved the King, Frederick reportedly replied with this bitter rhetorical question. He had seen too much treachery, cowardice, and selfishness to retain any illusions about the innate goodness of man. This quote reflects a Hobbesian view of human nature as wicked and requiring strong control. It explains his reliance on strict discipline and surveillance.
"Man is made of two ingredients: a soul which is a part of the deity, and a body which is a part of the dunghill."
Frederick struggled with the duality of human existence, torn between high intellectual aspirations and base physical desires. This graphic metaphor illustrates the conflict between the rational mind and the animalistic body. It suggests that while humans are capable of divinity through reason, they are constantly dragged down by their mortal, corruptible nature. It is a cynical take on the human condition.
"Gratitude is a burden, and every burden is made to be shaken off."
Frederick observed that people often resented those to whom they owed favors, as the debt wounded their pride. He expected no gratitude for his service to the state and was rarely surprised when allies turned against him. This quote is a Machiavellian observation on the fragility of loyalty and the transactional nature of relationships. It warns against expecting lasting thanks for good deeds.
"It is the custom of men to despise what is within their reach and to admire what is beyond it."
Frederick understood the psychology of desire, noting that people always craved what they could not have while taking their current blessings for granted. This restlessness drove the wars of Europe and the intrigues of the court. The quote serves as a critique of human dissatisfaction and ambition. It suggests that contentment is impossible for the ambitious animal that is man.
"Every man has a wild beast within him."
Despite the veneer of civilization and the wigs and powder of the 18th century, Frederick believed that savagery lurked just beneath the surface. He had seen the atrocities of war and knew how quickly social norms collapsed under pressure. This quote justifies the need for strong laws and a powerful state to keep this inner beast in check. It is a defense of authority as a necessary restraint on human nature.
"We are all the playthings of fate."
Despite his planning and intellect, Frederick often felt that his life was directed by forces beyond his control. The miraculous saves and devastating losses he experienced convinced him of the role of fortune in human affairs. This quote expresses a fatalistic resignation, acknowledging that even the most powerful king is subject to the whims of destiny. It adds a tragic dimension to his worldview.
"Men are always the same; they have the same passions, and history is nothing but a repetition of the same errors."
Frederick studied history not to see progress, but to see the cyclical nature of human folly. He believed that while technology might change, the fundamental flaws of human nature remained constant, leading to the same wars and tragedies. This quote rejects the optimistic Enlightenment idea of inevitable progress. It presents a cyclical, almost static view of the human drama.
"One must know the bad in order to avoid it, but one must not practice it."
While he was cynical, Frederick did not use this as an excuse for immorality in his personal conduct (though political conduct was a different matter). He believed that a ruler must understand the depths of human depravity to govern effectively, without becoming depraved himself. This quote draws a line between worldly wisdom and moral corruption. It suggests that innocence is a liability in a leader, but integrity is a necessity.
"I am tired of ruling over slaves."
Toward the end of his life, Frederick grew weary of the lack of initiative and independence among his subjects, which his own autocratic system had fostered. He complained that his ministers would not act without his direct orders, creating a crushing workload for him. This quote reveals the irony of despotism: by taking all power, the ruler becomes a slave to his own administration. It is a final expression of the isolation of the "Old Fritz."
Legacy of the Philosopher King
Frederick the Great left a mark on history that transcends the borders of Prussia. He transformed a sandy, fragmented kingdom into a European superpower, laying the foundation for the eventual unification of Germany. However, his legacy is dualistic. On one hand, he is the father of Enlightened Absolutism, a champion of religious tolerance, legal reform, and cultural flourishing. He proved that a state could be governed by reason and that a monarch could be a servant of the people.
On the other hand, his glorification of the military and his aggressive expansionism planted the seeds of German militarism that would have darker consequences in the 20th century. He created a state where the army was not just a tool, but the very heart of the nation. Yet, his personal brilliance, his resilience against overwhelming odds, and his sharp wit make him an enduring figure of study. He remains the ultimate example of the intellectual in power, proving that the pen and the sword can be wielded by the same hand.
We would love to hear your thoughts on Frederick the Great. Was he a model of the perfect ruler, or a cynical warmonger? Share your favorite quotes and insights in the comments below!
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Catherine II (Russia)
Known as Catherine the Great, she was a contemporary and occasional rival of Frederick. Like him, she corresponded with Voltaire and Diderot, seeking to modernize Russia through Enlightenment principles while maintaining an iron grip on absolute power. Her quotes on governance and ambition mirror Frederick’s blend of culture and steel.
Napoleon Bonaparte
The French Emperor famously visited Frederick’s tomb in Potsdam and remarked, "Gentlemen, if this man were still alive, I would not be here." Napoleon admired Frederick as the greatest tactical genius before his own time. His quotes on war, leadership, and destiny share the same pragmatic and often cynical tone found in Frederick’s writings.
Voltaire
To understand Frederick, one must read Voltaire. Their tumultuous friendship defined the intellectual life of the Prussian court. Voltaire’s wit, his defense of civil liberties, and his sharp critiques of organized religion deeply influenced Frederick. Reading Voltaire provides the philosophical context for Frederick’s political actions.