I shall be an autocrat: that's my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that's his.

The quote "I shall be an autocrat: that's my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that's his." by Catherine the Great highlights her firm belief in her role as an absolute ruler and the responsibility that came with it. Catherine, who ruled Russia for over three decades, recognized that as an autocrat, her power was centralized in her hands, and she had to make decisions that were in the best interest of the state, even if they were controversial or harsh. The first part of the quote shows her acceptance of the burdens of absolute power and the reality of ruling without checks or balances.

The second part of the quote, "the good Lord will forgive me: that's his", reflects Catherine’s pragmatic approach to her reign. She acknowledges that her decisions, some of which may have been ruthless or unpopular, may not always align with moral or religious ideals, but she defers the moral responsibility to a higher power. In this way, she hints at her own justification for her actions, suggesting that as a ruler, her primary duty was to the state and its stability, rather than strictly adhering to conventional moral or religious standards.

The origin of this quote comes from Catherine the Great's reign in the 18th century, during which she transformed Russia into a major European power. Known for her enlightened absolutism, Catherine believed in combining absolute monarchy with progressive reforms, particularly in education, law, and the arts. However, her ruling style was marked by a pragmatic approach to governance, which required sometimes harsh or authoritarian measures. This quote encapsulates her self-awareness of her role and the challenges of reconciling the demands of leadership with personal conscience.

In essence, this quote speaks to Catherine’s uncompromising view of her reign and the weight of leadership. It suggests that while rulers may seek forgiveness for their actions from a higher power, the duties and decisions of an autocrat often place them in morally ambiguous territory, where the ultimate goal is the welfare and power of the state.