as a king of Prussia from 1740 to 1786 he exerted tight control over his subjects but saw himself as the first servant of the state, a duty to work for the common good. He openly praised Voltaire's work and invited him to Berlin to open up a science school. He tried to reduce torture and allowed a free press. He also tolerated religious differences and invited refugees to his kingdom. "In my kingdom, everyone can go to heaven in his own fashion." Most of his reforms were directed at making the government more efficient (but he wanted more power himself.)

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