An enlightened despot was someone who embraced the ideals of the Enlightenment …show more content…
In the first edition of the Nakaz there was a large section dedicated to improving the situation of serfs. However, in the final version, there was almost nothing that would improve their situation except a fleeting comment expressing her wish that masters would not abuse their serfs. This goes against the sense of duty to improve the life of their people, which an enlightened ruler would possess. Hence one could conclude that she was not as enlightened as she aimed to portray. Nevertheless upon reading her memoirs, it is clear that Catherine II regretted the treatment of the serfs, which perhaps indicates that she as an individual was enlightened, however she knew that Russia was not ready to abolish