Had there been more books written about him showing that the real man is quite different from what he is made to appear to be; that he is full of the best intentions and inspired with a passionate love of Germany; that in a true and profound religious sense he often wrestles with himself and his God, asking himself if he has chosen the right way; that his love for his people is far more genuine than that of many of the Germans for him; that he never has deceived them, but was constantly deceived by them--such literature would have been more efficacious and, above all, nearer the truth.
Undoubtedly the German Emperor's gifts and talents were above the average, and had he been an ordinary mortal would certainly have become a very competent officer, architect, engineer, or politician.
But for lack of criticism he lost his bearings, and it caused his undoing.

According to all the records the Emperor William I.was of a very different nature.

Yet Bismarck often had a hard task in dealing with him, though Bismarck's loyalty and subservience to the dynastic idea made him curb his characteristically ruthless frankness.

But William I.was a self-made man.

When he came to the throne and began to govern his kingdom was tottering.