“It is legal because I wish it.”
- September 5, 1638 – September 1, 1715
- Born in France
- King of France
- Established absolute monarchy, built the Palace of Versailles, and promoted the development of French culture and art
Quote
“It is legal because I wish it.”
Explanation
This quote is a clear reflection of Louis XIV’s absolute power and his belief in the divine right of kings, which held that the monarch’s will was synonymous with the law. Louis XIV, as the Sun King, ruled with the idea that his authority was not just political but also divine, meaning that whatever he decreed was inherently lawful because of his role as God’s appointed sovereign. This statement underscores the centralization of power in his hands, where the concept of law was reduced to the will of the monarch, and the traditional legal processes or checks on royal power were either bypassed or entirely subordinated to his commands.
Historically, Louis XIV’s reign exemplified this form of absolute monarchy, where the king was above all institutions, including the judiciary and parliament. Under such a system, laws were seen as mere extensions of the ruler’s desires rather than independently created or enforced rules designed to govern society equitably. This centralization of authority was particularly evident in his control over the nobility, his direct involvement in the governance of the state, and his ability to enact policies without consulting other bodies of government, such as the estates-general or parliament.
In modern contexts, this quote would be seen as a manifestation of autocracy and a disregard for the rule of law, principles that most contemporary democracies reject. The idea that laws are determined solely by the will of one person is incompatible with democratic governance, where laws are created through a system of checks and balances involving elected representatives, courts, and civil society. This quote serves as a historical reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of constitutional constraints in ensuring that leaders are held accountable.