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A biography of Frederick II, King of Prussia from 1740 to 1786, also known as Frederick the Great, is presented. It comments on his childhood and his early interest in the French language, literature, and philosophy. The author considers the king's views on freedom of the press and freedom of religion. Other topics include his relationship with French philosopher Voltaire, Prussia's foreign and military relations during his reign, and the treatment of Prussian soldiers.

The article discusses the views of various 18th-century French philosophers on religion, Christianity, and the Catholic Church in light of the events leading up to and including the French Revolution in the late 18th century. It addresses the perspectives of philosophers such as Denis Diderot, Etienne Bonnot de Condillac, and Jean-François Marmontel on religion, posterity, and humanism. The author discusses the role of retrospective thinking in understanding the value of posterity.