Louis XIV Quotes

I am the State. [Fr., L'etat c'est moi.]

Louis XIV

I am the Sovereign.

Up to this moment I have been pleased to entrust the government of my affairs to the late Cardinal. It is now time that I govern them myself. You [secretaries and ministers of state] will assist me with your counsels when I ask for them. I request and order you to seal no orders except by my command, . . . I order you not to sign anything, not even a passport . . . without my command; to render account to me personally each day and to favor no one.

Louis XIV

One king, one law, one faith.

Louis XIV

'One sovereign, one statute, one creed.'

It is legal because I wish it.

Louis XIV

It is permissible because I desire it.

Impatience for victory guarantees defeat

Louis XIV

Careless haste for success ensures failure.

Similar Authors: Marie Antoinette Diane de Poitiers Eleanor of Aquitaine

In every treaty, insert a clause which can easily be violated, so that the entire agreement can be broken in case the interests of the State make it expedient to do so.

Louis XIV

Include in each treaty a proviso which can be conveniently disregarded, allowing for the dissolution of the pact when it serves the nation's best interests.

Only small minds want always to be right.

Louis XIV

Only narrow-minded individuals insist on being correct all the time.

The years go by one after the other; time slips past us with out our being aware of it; we grow old like ordinary men and we shall end like them.

Louis XIV

The years pass in succession; time eludes us without our cognizance; we age like mortals and we shall expire as such.

Quote Topics by Louis XIV: Kings Last Words Men Law Government States Years Wife Want Temper Wish Done Immortal Royalty Broken Europe Absolutism Office Two Guarantees Finals Unhappy Death Defeat Firsts No Point Order Feelings Grief Mind

There is little that can withstand a man who can conquer himself.

Louis XIV

'One who can master themselves is unstoppable.'

10.

Every time I appoint someone to a vacant position, I make a hundred unhappy and one ungrateful.

Louis XIV

Each time I place someone into an open role, I incite discontentment amongst many and evoke ingratitude from one.

11.

Has God forgotten everything I've done for him ?

Louis XIV

Has God disregarded all the efforts I have made in his name?

12.

First feelings are always the most natural.

Louis XIV

13.

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

Louis XIV

14.

Ah, if I were not king, I should lose my temper.

Louis XIV

15.

Heaven deprives me of a wife who never caused me any other grief than that of her death.

Louis XIV

16.

I could sooner reconcile all Europe than two women.

Louis XIV

17.

Every time I fill a vacant office, I make ten malcontents and one ingrate.

Louis XIV

18.

Why do you weep? Did you think I was immortal?

Louis XIV

19.

The Last Argument of Kings.

Louis XIV

20.

I see no point in reading.

Louis XIV

21.

Laws are the sovereigns of sovereigns.

Louis XIV