Louis XIV

Statesmanship France 1638 – 1715 100 quotes

Sun King who centralized power and built Versailles as a symbol of absolutism.

Quotes by Louis XIV

L'État, c'est moi.

Attributed, often cited during a Parlement session 1655

I am the State.

Attributed, often cited during a Parlement session 1655

The King is dead, long live the King!

Traditional proclamation upon a monarch's death, embodying the continuity of the state, though not directly spoken by him, it represents his reign's philosophy. 1715

One king, one law, one faith.

Reflecting his policy of religious uniformity, particularly after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. 1685

The interests of the State must come first.

Memoirs for the Instruction of the Dauphin 1661

The trade of a king is great, noble, and delightful.

Memoirs for the Instruction of the Dauphin 1661

It is not enough to do good, one must do it well.

Memoirs for the Instruction of the Dauphin 1661

I have loved war too much.

Last words to his great-grandson, the future Louis XV 1715

Why are you weeping? Did you imagine I was immortal?

Last words to his courtiers 1715

I depart, but the State shall always remain.

Last words, often cited in various forms 1715

The highest degree of glory is to be able to do good to all.

Memoirs for the Instruction of the Dauphin 1661

The function of kings consists principally in governing.

Memoirs for the Instruction of the Dauphin 1661

The public good is the first law.

Memoirs for the Instruction of the Dauphin 1661

The sovereign power of the king is not a power of office, but a power of nature.

Memoirs for the Instruction of the Dauphin 1661

The true glory of a king is to be the father of his people.

Memoirs for the Instruction of the Dauphin 1661

It is by governing that one learns to govern.

Memoirs for the Instruction of the Dauphin 1661

All power, all authority, resides in the hands of the king.

Memoirs for the Instruction of the Dauphin 1661

The will of God, which has placed me on the throne, is that I should be master.

Memoirs for the Instruction of the Dauphin 1661

The most important thing for a king is to be master of himself.

Memoirs for the Instruction of the Dauphin 1661

The greatest glory of a king is to be able to make his subjects happy.

Memoirs for the Instruction of the Dauphin 1661