Philip II of Spain

Spanish Empire ruler

Early Modern influential 70 sayings

Sayings by Philip II of Spain

I sent the Duke of Medina Sidonia to fight the English, not to conquer them.

1588 (after the Armada's defeat) — Regarding the Spanish Armada's mission.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It is better to have a kingdom without subjects than subjects without a king.

Unknown, but attributed. — Reflecting his absolutist views.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

God, who has given me so many kingdoms, will take care of the rest.

c. 1580s — Expressing his faith and reliance on divine providence.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have never trusted anyone entirely, not even my confessors.

c. 1570s — Reported to a close confidant.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The Escorial is proof that I am not immortal.

c. 1580s — Referring to his vast palace-monastery, which included a mausoleum.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I would rather not reign at all than reign over heretics.

c. 1560s — Similar to his other statements on religious intolerance.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I rule the world from a small cell.

c. 1580s — Referring to his secluded work habits in the Escorial.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have always preferred peace to war, but I will not sacrifice my religion for it.

c. 1570s — Stance on foreign policy and religious principles.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am but a worm, and God has given me so much power.

c. 1590s — Expressing humility despite his immense power.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

My word is my bond.

Unknown, but attributed. — A general statement about his integrity.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have no greater enemy than my own self.

c. 1590s — Reflecting on personal struggles or self-doubt.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The more I see of the world, the less I like it.

c. 1580s — A sentiment of disillusionment.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have been so ill that I have not been able to attend to any business.

1590s — Letter to a courtier, describing his poor health.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I would rather govern a world of automata than a world of free men.

Unknown, but attributed. — A hypothetical statement, reflecting a desire for absolute control.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have always had a great love for books.

c. 1570s — Reported interest in his vast library.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The salvation of a single soul is worth more than a hundred kingdoms.

c. 1560s — Expressing his strong religious convictions.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have never taken a decision without consulting God.

c. 1580s — Reported to emphasize his constant prayer and reliance on divine guidance.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am but a poor king, burdened with the weight of the world.

c. 1590s — Expressing a sense of responsibility and burden.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have built the Escorial as a monument to God and to myself.

c. 1580s — Stating the dual purpose of his grand project.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have always preferred to deal with matters myself, rather than through intermediaries.

c. 1570s — Reflecting his hands-on approach to governance.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable