Founder / Co Founder: Académie royale d'architecture, Académie Royale de Danse, Paris Opera, Royal Academy of Dance, French Academy of Sciences, Paris Opera Ballet
Louis XIV of France was the emperor of France during the classical age. He was born in the royal family to Louis XIII but could not enjoy much of the lavish life as his father passed away when he was just four. He inherited the throne with his mother acting as his regent for the initial years. He was tutored under the Chief Minister, Cardinal Jules Mazarin, who also attained great power in the regime as he had helped the emperor during the civil war. After his death, Louis started taking his own decisions to empower absolute monarchy in the nation. He introduced various reforms including economic and fiscal, which were called as the ‘Gift of God’ by his subjects. He also aimed to develop arts and culture and supported them financially. He went on to lead his first war against Spain as his wife was deprived of inheriting her father’s regime. This war turned out to be unsuccessful and dissatisfied Louis raged the ‘Franco-Dutch War’ which went on for the next six years and proved to be a success. He further led a couple of wars, which resulted into the drain of country’s resources and made him infamous as a war lover. Here is a compilation of sayings and quotations by Louis XIV of France which have been scanned from his life. Read on the thoughts and quotes by Louis XIV of France which reflects his ambitious character.
Do not assess the justice of a claim by the vigour with which it is pressed.
Louis XIV of France
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.
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.
There is little that can withstand a man who can conquer himself.
Louis XIV of France
First feelings are always the most natural
Louis XIV of France
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.
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.
