Introduction to the History of Hebrew Philosophy

power or success does not match [their efforts], you do not
immediately judge them unworthy of your favor.
By this very fact you easily ensure that those who
rest under the shadow of the most powerful King of Prussia original: "Borussiae Regis"; referring to Frederick I.
and devote themselves to the sacred study of letters,
may attend to their affairs with a cheerful and joyful spirit,
and eagerly apply themselves to the task, so that it may be
apparent that the fault did not lie with them if the
republic of letters original: "res litteraria"; a common early modern term for the international community of scholars and the collective body of human knowledge. was not increased by new and
distinguished additions.
This is as beneficial to the state as it is
honorable for you, and it concerns the securing of
immortal glory among posterity. For if anything
worthy of praise is brought to light by those who,
spurred on by your favor, undertake any noble
enterprise, the correct judgment of those
who weigh all things properly will attribute it no more
to the authors than to you; and if any praise
should arise even from the attempt, all will
equally acknowledge that it is most especially owed to you.
As for me, I know that my strengths are not sufficient for
so great a work as I have undertaken, yet I am
certain that the attempt can be blamed by no one.
For to investigate the origins of true wisdom, to
demonstrate the fates it has suffered among mortals, to
commend its followers and promoters...