Philip II of Spain

Spanish Empire ruler

Early Modern influential 70 sayings

Sayings by Philip II of Spain

I sent my ships against men, not against the seas.

1588 — His only remark when told of the loss of the 'Invincible Armada.'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I sent my ships against men, not against the seas.

1588 — His only remark when told of the loss of the 'Invincible Armada.'
Strange & Unusual Disputed

I would carry the wood to burn my own son with, were he as wicked as you.

1559 — Reply to Carlos de Sessa, on his way to the stake at Valladolid, who asked the king how he could per…
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I would carry the wood to burn my own son with, were he as wicked as you.

1559 — Reply to Carlos de Sessa, on his way to the stake at Valladolid, who asked the king how he could per…
Strange & Unusual Disputed

God, who has given me so many Kingdoms to govern, has not given me a son fit to govern them.

Approx. 1560s-1570s — Referring to his son, Don Carlos.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

God, who has given me so many Kingdoms to govern, has not given me a son fit to govern them.

Approx. 1560s-1570s — Referring to his son, Don Carlos.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

You may assure His Holiness, that rather than suffer the least damage to religion and the service of God, I would lose all my states and an hundred lives, if I had them; for I do not propose nor desire to be the ruler of heretics.

1566 — In a letter to his ambassador in Rome.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

You may assure His Holiness, that rather than suffer the least damage to religion and the service of God, I would lose all my states and an hundred lives, if I had them; for I do not propose nor desire to be the ruler of heretics.

1566 — In a letter to his ambassador in Rome.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

I don't think that human strength is capable of everything, least of all mine.

1578 — Musing on the limitations of rulers.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I don't think that human strength is capable of everything, least of all mine.

1578 — Musing on the limitations of rulers.
Strange & Unusual Disputed

But then you would not be worthy of the crown, but, instead, an enemy of the public well-being of your vassals.

1597 — From his last instructions to his heir, warning against governing alone.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

But then you would not be worthy of the crown, but, instead, an enemy of the public well-being of your vassals.

1597 — From his last instructions to his heir, warning against governing alone.
Strange & Unusual Disputed

I would rather lose all my lands, and a hundred lives if I had them, than be king over heretics.

c. 1560s — Regarding his stance on religious uniformity and the Low Countries.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Before I would suffer the least injury to the Catholic religion, or to the service of God, I would rather lose all my states and a hundred lives, if I had them.

1566 — Letter to the Duke of Alba.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Time and I.

Unknown, but widely attributed. — His personal motto, reflecting his patience and perseverance.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have to confess that I have lost my way in this labyrinth.

c. 1580s — Referring to the complexities of governing or a specific political situation.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It is better to keep God and the King out of the matter.

c. 1570s — Reported advice given to a courtier regarding a delicate issue.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a man of flesh and blood, and not of wood.

c. 1560s — Reported to express his human limitations or frustrations.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I learn more from my enemies than from my friends.

Unknown, but attributed. — A general observation on learning and strategy.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have been so afflicted with gout that I have not been able to write a single word with my own hand.

1590s — Letter to a correspondent, describing his physical ailments.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable