Louis XIV Quotes

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

One king, one law, one faith.

It is legal because I wish it.

Impatience for victory guarantees defeat

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.

Only small minds want always to be right.

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.

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

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

Has God forgotten everything I've done for him ?

First feelings are always the most natural.

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

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

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

I could sooner reconcile all Europe than two women.

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

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

The Last Argument of Kings.

I see no point in reading.

Laws are the sovereigns of sovereigns.

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

I am the State.

I would have praised you more had you praised me less.