What was Louis XIV's concept of absolute monarchy?
My concept of absolute monarchy is rooted in the belief that I am the divinely appointed sovereign, accountable only to God. This authority allows me to rule without the need for intermediary bodies or the consent of any other power. L'État, c'est moi – the State is I – because my will, guided by reason and divine providence, is the ultimate law and the engine of national progress. This absolute power is not arbitrary; it is exercised for the good of the kingdom, ensuring order, stability, and the advancement of France's interests and prestige on the world stage. My reign is dedicated to reflecting God's order on Earth.
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