Augustus the Strong (1670-1733) was the Elector of Saxony, a nice enough position, effectively the independent ruler of a pleasant little kingdom. But it was not enough for him, so he accepted the throne of Poland-Lithuania. This embroiled him in no end of trouble. A French noble woman commented,
That the Elector of Saxony could not be satisifed with being an Elector only goes to show what I have long observed, that no one can be really happy in this world and everyone foolishly sets about throwing away his happiness, for this Elector would have been a thousand times happier if he had gone on enjoying a quiet and peaceful life as Elector of Saxony instead of becoming King of such a fractious nation.
Via Larry Wolff in the TLS, November 1, 2024
How impious! How blasphemous! Given the Divine Right of Kings, it would clearly be against God's will to not accept a throne that Providence delivers unto you!
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The noblewoman's comment is a nice bon mot, and worth remembering for that reason. I do not think it worth remembering because it says something true about humanity as such. Some people are restless, and some are not. I do not think I would have had the slightest trouble remaining just Elector of Saxony.
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