Which enlightened despot referred to themselves as "the first servant of the state"?

The phrase "the first servant of the state" is closely associated with Frederick the Great of Prussia, who ruled from 1740 to 1786. This self-description reflects his belief in the role of the monarch as a servant to his people, emphasizing a form of governance that underscores responsibility and duty to the state rather than mere self-interest or absolute power. Frederick implemented several reforms aimed at modernizing Prussia, including improvements in the administration of justice, education, and economic policies, all of which were informed by Enlightenment ideals. His commitment to being a proactive leader who cared for the welfare of his subjects set him apart from other monarchs of his time, contributing significantly to the legacy of enlightened absolutism.

In contrast, other rulers mentioned, such as Catherine the Great and Joseph II, while also considered enlightened despots, did not famously adopt the same terminology to describe their governance, and Louis XIV is more renowned for his absolute monarchy with the notion of "L'état, c'est moi" ("I am the state"), emphasizing personal rule rather than servitude to the state.