Political liberty does not consist in the notion that a man may do whatever he pleases; liberty is the right to do whatsoever the laws allow.… The equality of the citizens consists in that they should all be subject to the same laws.”
This was in a letter Catherine sent. Over time her views when from optimistic to realistic. She wanted to free the serfs but had no real support. She was also realizing there was a limit to the power of the monarch.
