“My dear mamma is quite right when she says that we must lay down principles and not depart from them. The king will not have the same weaknesses as his grandfather. I hope that he will have no favorites; but I am afraid that he is too mild and too easy. You may depend upon it that I will not draw the king into any great expenses.”
- November 2, 1755 – October 16, 1793
- From the Duchy of Austria, Holy Roman Empire
- Queen
- Influenced fashion and culture, and symbolized the splendor of court life
Quote
“My dear mamma is quite right when she says that we must lay down principles and not depart from them. The king will not have the same weaknesses as his grandfather. I hope that he will have no favorites; but I am afraid that he is too mild and too easy. You may depend upon it that I will not draw the king into any great expenses.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marie Antoinette reflects on the challenges of guiding the newly crowned Louis XVI, her husband, in his role as king. She emphasizes the importance of sticking to principles—likely referring to the need for stability and wise governance during a time of political instability. The mention of Louis XVI’s grandfather, Louis XV, who was often criticized for his weaknesses and indulgences, suggests a desire for the new king to avoid these pitfalls, particularly in terms of favoritism and excessive spending. Marie Antoinette, in this sense, is expressing concern for her husband’s governance, noting that while she hopes he will be firm, she fears that his mildness might make him vulnerable to the manipulation of others at court.
Her concern about drawing the king into great expenses speaks to the growing financial strain on France at the time, particularly after the lavish spending of the monarchy under Louis XV. This reflects her awareness of the fiscal crisis that would soon come to a head, especially when France’s involvement in wars and royal extravagance placed immense pressure on the state’s finances. Her attempt to keep Louis XVI from succumbing to unchecked spending and maintaining financial discipline suggests a pragmatic approach to the looming problems, even if her influence over her husband’s decisions was limited by the complex dynamics of their relationship and the court.
In a modern context, this quote can be seen as a reflection on the challenges of leadership and governance, especially when dealing with a leader who may be seen as too lenient or indecisive. It emphasizes the importance of establishing strong principles and boundaries to prevent the erosion of power or the misuse of resources. Today, political figures and leaders often face the same tension between personal inclinations and the demands of effective, responsible governance, as they try to balance diplomacy, fiscal responsibility, and public trust.
