Meaning: The quote "Don't forget your great guns, which are the most respectable arguments of the rights of kings" is attributed to Frederick the Great, the King of Prussia from 1740 until 1786. This statement reflects the historical context of the time, where the power and legitimacy of monarchs were often asserted through military might and the use of force.

Frederick the Great was a highly influential figure in European history, known for his military prowess and his efforts to strengthen the power and influence of the Prussian state. As a ruler, he faced numerous challenges, both internal and external, and his reign was marked by a series of military conflicts and diplomatic maneuvering.

In this quote, Frederick the Great is emphasizing the importance of military strength as a means of asserting and maintaining the rights of kings. The reference to "great guns" can be interpreted as a metaphor for military power, highlighting the significance of armed forces in upholding the authority of monarchs. The phrase "the most respectable arguments of the rights of kings" suggests that, in Frederick's view, military might was the most compelling and effective way for rulers to assert their legitimacy and authority.

This quote can be understood within the broader historical and political context of the era in which Frederick the Great lived. The 18th century was a period marked by intense competition among European powers, with issues of territorial expansion, political influence, and dynastic succession often being resolved through military conflict. Monarchs and rulers were expected to demonstrate their strength and capacity to defend their realms, and the possession of a powerful military force was seen as essential for maintaining stability and authority.

Frederick the Great's own reign was characterized by his efforts to modernize and strengthen the Prussian military, which played a central role in his foreign policy and territorial ambitions. He was a proponent of the concept of "enlightened absolutism," which sought to combine the principles of absolute monarchy with the ideals of rationality, progress, and reform. However, Frederick's emphasis on military power as a cornerstone of royal authority reflected the prevailing political realities of his time.

In addition to its historical significance, this quote also raises broader questions about the nature of power, authority, and the relationship between rulers and their subjects. The idea that military strength is the most "respectable" argument for the rights of kings suggests a certain pragmatism about the exercise of power, emphasizing the practical realities of political rule. At the same time, it also underscores the potential for coercion and force in the assertion of authority, highlighting the complex and often contentious dynamics of governance.

Overall, Frederick the Great's quote "Don't forget your great guns, which are the most respectable arguments of the rights of kings" offers a window into the mindset of a powerful monarch grappling with the challenges of his time. It reflects the central role of military power in the politics of the 18th century, as well as the broader issues of legitimacy, authority, and the exercise of royal rule.