Louis XIV Quotes

The King of Spain displayed his esteem for me in a manner that I confess flattered me pleasantly when, after the death of Don Luis de Haro, he stated publicly in front of all the foreign ambassadors that he wanted to follow my example in not having a prime minister any longer.

— Louis XIV

The ministers of kings should learn to moderate their ambition. The higher they elevate themselves above their proper sphere, the greater the danger that they will fall.

— Louis XIV

As for restitutions, to nobody in particular do I owe any, but as for those I owe to the realm, I hope in the mercy of God.

— Louis XIV

My child, you are going to be a great king; do not imitate me in the taste I have had for building, or in that I have had for war; try, on the contrary, to be at peace with your neighbors.

— Louis XIV

I have made my will; I have been tormented to do it. I have bought repose; I know the powerlessness and inutility of it.

— Louis XIV

I am the state.

— Louis XIV

Laws are the sovereigns of sovereigns.

— Louis XIV

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

— Louis XIV

My court was divided between peace and war according to their various interests, but I considered only their reasons.

— Louis XIV

I am dying, but the state remains.

— Louis XIV

Always follow good counsels.

— Louis XIV

You have only to see what became of my father's will immediately after his death, and the wills of so many other kings. I know it well; but nevertheless, they have wished it; they gave me no rest nor repose, no calm until it was done.

— Louis XIV

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

— Louis XIV

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

— Louis XIV

First feelings are always the most natural.

— Louis XIV

It is legal because I wish it.

— Louis XIV

It is impossible to please all the world.

— Louis XIV

That's what troubles me: I should like to suffer more for the expiation of my sins.

— Louis XIV

Render to God what you owe him; recognize the obligations you are under to him.

— Louis XIV

We can do all we wish while we live; afterward, we are less than the meanest.

— Louis XIV

Has God forgotten all I have done for Him.

— Louis XIV

The Pyrenees are no more.

— Louis XIV

I could sooner reconcile all Europe than two women.

— Louis XIV