Charlotte Sophia expresses her initial alarm, and later amusement, at Sophie’s questions about Rousseau [Sophie’s godfather] and discusses at length her own and her friend Voltaire’s views of him and his philosophies. She comments on his influence, especially on the Princess of Anhalt-Zerbst, remarks on his books and their importance, observes that an author cannot be directly responsible for the abuse of his ideas, and urges Sophie not to try to resemble the Sophie of ‘Emile’ after whom she was named. She repeats her warning about the ill effects of drink and questions how wise decisions can be reached after banquets, remarking on the loss of respect suffered by ministers or officers who are intoxicated.