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77 LAWS OF THE KING

LOUIS XIV · ROI DE FRANCE ET DE NAVARRE

In my “Mémoires pour l’instruction du Dauphin” I left my son not mere advice, but the principles of a reign founded on duty, discipline, justice and self-mastery.

Learn first to rule over yourself before you rule over others. Place the good of the realm above your personal interests. Surround yourself with truth rather than flattery. Work tirelessly, act justly and never lose the dignity of your office.

More than three centuries have passed, yet these teachings endure, for true greatness rests not on power, but on responsibility.

“The true glory of a king lies in service to his people.”

PRINCIPLES OF LOUIS XIV FOR A FUTURE KING

  1. 01Know thyself.
  2. 02Master your passions.
  3. 03Rule with reason, not with wrath.
  4. 04Work every day.
  5. 05Never be idle.
  6. 06Take personal responsibility.
  7. 07Responsibility.
  8. 08Do not leave the government to others.
  9. 09Listen to counsel, but decide for yourself.
  10. 10Choose capable people.
  11. 11Know the character of your ministers.
  12. 12Trust with caution.
  13. 13Preserve your dignity.
  14. 14Speak less, listen more.
  15. 15Think before you decide.
  16. 16Be patient.
  17. 17Do not act in haste.
  18. 18Protect the authority of the Crown.
  19. 19Do not undermine your own decisions.
  20. 20Keep your word.
  21. 21Be just.
  22. 22Favouritism harms the State.
  23. 23Tolerate no corruption.
  24. 24Reward merit.
  25. 25Punish injustice.
  26. 26Protect the weak.
  27. 27Think of the good of the people.
  28. 28The king serves the State.
  29. 29God has entrusted you with responsibility.
  30. 30Pray for wisdom.
  31. 31Do not abuse your power.
  32. 32Rule by example.
  33. 33Be honest.
  34. 34Keep order.
  35. 35Respect the laws.
  36. 36Protect the traditions of the kingdom.
  37. 37Value history.
  38. 38Learn from past mistakes.
  39. 39Never stop learning.
  40. 40Read reports attentively.
  41. 41Know your kingdom.
  42. 42Travel and observe.
  43. 43Know the needs of the people.
  44. 44Pay attention to details.
  45. 45Manage the finances with care.
  46. 46Do not spend money lightly.
  47. 47The wealth of the State is not yours.
  48. 48Ensure a sound economy.
  49. 49Promote trade and industry.
  50. 50Support agriculture.
  51. 51Promote art and culture.
  52. 52Protect science and education.
  53. 53Build works that endure.
  54. 54Strengthen the standing of the country.
  55. 55Honour the soldiers.
  56. 56Do not start needless wars.
  57. 57War is the last resort.
  58. 58Peace is a great good.
  59. 59Be ready to defend the country.
  60. 60Know your neighbours.
  61. 61Negotiate before you fight.
  62. 62Maintain the balance of power.
  63. 63Do not be ruled by vanity.
  64. 64Beware of flatterers.
  65. 65Surround yourself with people who tell the truth.
  66. 66Acknowledge your mistakes. Correct them.
  67. 67Think of the future.
  68. 68Be an example to your heirs.
  69. 69Preserve the unity of the country.
  70. 70Do not overlook small problems.
  71. 71Great crises begin with small mistakes.
  72. 72Remain calm in misfortune.
  73. 73Be steadfast in trials.
  74. 74Never stop improving yourself.
  75. 75Remember that power is fleeting.
  76. 76The glory of a king lies in service.
  77. 77Leave the kingdom better than you found it.

These principles sum up the thinking of Louis XIV: discipline, responsibility, justice, service to the State and constant work for the good of the kingdom.

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