“Louis
XIV of France ranks as one of
the most remarkable monarchs in history. He reigned for 72 years, 54 of
them he
personally controlled French government. The 17th century is labeled as
the age
of Louis XIV. Since then his rule has been hailed as the supreme
example of a
type of government - absolutism. He epitomized the ideal of kingship.
During
his reign France stabilized and became one of the strongest powers in
Europe.
During
his reign France became the ideal culture since he put great care into
its enhancement so he could boast it to the world. The country changed
drastically from savage medieval ways to a more refined, exquisite
living -
evident from his palace in Versailles. Within 54 years he did what
several
kings worked on for centuries. French culture became one of the most
appealing
in the world, and the name Louis XIV has been associated with greatness
and
glory.
Louis
XIV was a great monarch, and he was capable of maintaining strong
kingdom
because he never, in his entire life, doubted his right to be king. His
autocracy was indeed amazing, and truly an example of the kind. He
lived
and ruled as a king should have. Louis XIV became the ideal king, and
many have
tried unsuccessfully to live up to his glory.” (Steingrad)
"I
have often gone to war too
lightly and pursued it for vanity's sake. Do not imitate me.' This
admission, made by Louis on his deathbed, formed part of his last words
of
advice to his great-grandson and successor then aged 5." (Dunlop 218)
"About seven
o'clock in the morning, he saw in the mirror two of his valets at the foot of
the bed weeping, and said to them, "Why do you weep? Is it because you
thought me immortal? As for me, I have not thought myself so, and you
ought, considering my age, to have been prepared to lose me.""(Duc de
Saint-Simon)
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