Portrait of Philip II of Spain

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.'
Wisdom Unverifiable

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

1588 — His only remark when told of the loss of the 'Invincible Armada.'
Wisdom 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…
Wisdom 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…
Wisdom 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.
Wisdom 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.
Wisdom 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.
Life & Death 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.
Life & Death Confirmed

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

1578 — Musing on the limitations of rulers.
Inspirational Unverifiable

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

1578 — Musing on the limitations of rulers.
Inspirational 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.
War & Conflict 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.
War & Conflict 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.
Power & Leadership 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.
Life & Death Unverifiable

Time and I.

Unknown, but widely attributed. — His personal motto, reflecting his patience and perseverance.
Wisdom 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.
Wisdom 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.
Biblical Unverifiable

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

c. 1560s — Reported to express his human limitations or frustrations.
Life & Death Unverifiable

I learn more from my enemies than from my friends.

Unknown, but attributed. — A general observation on learning and strategy.
Educational 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.
Art & Creativity Unverifiable
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