Meaning: The quote "I shall be an autocrat, that's my trade; and the good Lord will forgive me, that's his." is often attributed to Catherine the Great, the Empress of Russia from 1762 until her death in 1796. This quote reflects Catherine's approach to governance and her belief in the divine right of kings.

Catherine the Great was a powerful and influential leader who is remembered for her efforts to modernize and westernize Russia. She was known for her strong will and determination to rule with absolute authority, hence the reference to being an autocrat. An autocrat is a ruler with unlimited power, often exercising it in a capricious or arbitrary manner. Catherine's statement suggests that she saw autocracy as her role and responsibility as a ruler.

The second part of the quote, "and the good Lord will forgive me, that's his," reflects Catherine's belief in the divine justification of her rule. This part of the quote suggests that Catherine believed that her authority as an autocrat was sanctioned by a higher power, and that any transgressions she may have committed in the exercise of her power would be forgiven by the divine. This reflects the concept of the divine right of kings, an idea that was prevalent in the 17th and 18th centuries and held that a monarch's authority to rule was derived from God.

Catherine the Great's reign was marked by significant accomplishments in the areas of political reform, territorial expansion, and cultural development. She implemented a series of legislative reforms aimed at modernizing Russia's legal and administrative systems. Additionally, Catherine expanded the Russian Empire through military conquest and diplomatic maneuvering, acquiring territory in the Crimea, the Caucasus, and Alaska. She also fostered the arts and education, establishing the Hermitage Museum and promoting the Enlightenment ideals of reason and progress.

However, Catherine's rule was not without controversy and criticism. Her autocratic tendencies and ruthless pursuit of power led to accusations of tyranny and oppression. Her policies toward the nobility, peasantry, and religious minorities were often harsh and repressive, and her military campaigns resulted in significant human suffering.

In the context of this quote, it is important to note that Catherine the Great was a complex and multifaceted historical figure. While she was a formidable and influential ruler, her legacy is also marked by the contradictions and complexities of her reign. The quote "I shall be an autocrat, that's my trade; and the good Lord will forgive me, that's his" encapsulates Catherine's unapologetic embrace of autocracy and her belief in the divine sanction of her rule.

In conclusion, the quote attributed to Catherine the Great reflects her attitude towards governance and her belief in the divine right of kings. It illustrates her self-perception as an autocrat and her conviction that her authority was justified by divine sanction. Catherine the Great's reign was marked by significant accomplishments and controversies, and this quote provides insight into her mindset as a powerful and influential ruler in Russian history.