Louis XIV

Sun King of France

Early Modern influential 53 sayings

Sayings by Louis XIV

L'État, c'est moi.

c. 1655 (often attributed to his youth, but more likely a retrospective summary of his reign) — The State, it is I. Though famous, often debated if he actually said it in this concise form, but it…
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

I almost had to wait.

c. 1670s — Reported to have said this when his coach was delayed for a few minutes.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

One must not be too severe with the ladies.

c. 1680s — Regarding court etiquette and his approach to female courtiers.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Gentlemen, I pray you to believe that I am not so old as I appear.

c. 1700s — Said to his courtiers in his later years, perhaps after an illness.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have loved war too much.

1715 — On his deathbed, reflecting on his reign.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Always the King, but always the man.

Unknown, but attributed. — Reflecting on his dual role as monarch and individual.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am going, but the State will always remain.

1715 — On his deathbed, to his successor, Louis XV.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It is not enough to gain a victory; one must know how to profit from it.

c. 1670s — A strategic observation on warfare.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have never governed by fear, but by the love of my people.

c. 1690s — A claim about his governing philosophy, though often debated by historians.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

One must suffer to be beautiful.

Unknown, but attributed. — A comment on fashion or personal appearance, perhaps in relation to elaborate court attire.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am not afraid of death, but I am afraid of falling into the hands of a doctor.

c. 1700s — Reported to express his distrust of physicians.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest evil that can happen to a king is to be governed by his ministers.

c. 1660s — Reflecting his desire for absolute personal rule.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have made a good choice in my ministers; I have chosen them myself.

c. 1670s — A statement on his personal selection of government officials.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The public good is always to be preferred to private interest.

c. 1680s — A principle of good governance, often invoked by absolute monarchs.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am the sun.

c. 1660s — Referring to his symbol, the sun, and his central role in the kingdom.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

One must always think of one's dignity.

Unknown, but attributed. — A remark on personal and royal comportment.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have been too fond of building.

1715 — On his deathbed, reflecting on his extravagant projects like Versailles.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It is by doing nothing that one does evil.

c. 1670s — A proverb-like statement on the importance of action and governance.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have imposed on my subjects taxes that are too heavy.

1715 — On his deathbed, a rare moment of self-criticism regarding his financial policies.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

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

c. 1660s — From his memoirs, reflecting his enjoyment of kingship.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable