Characteristics Of Machiavelli And King Louis XIV

For hundreds of years, civilizations have depended on rulers to manage the people and prevent anarchy from erupting. While some leaders execute these actions with ease, others fail to do so and often lose their states to opposing rulers or forces. Niccoló Machiavelli, an Italian philosopher who lived from 1469 to 1527, describes in his book, The Prince, the characteristics he deems necessary in a strong ruler. Throughout the book, Machiavelli uses leaders of his time, like Cesare Borgia and King Louis XII, as examples of what a person should or should not do in order to maintain or improve his state. However, a more recent leader who exemplifies the qualities outlined by Machiavelli is King Louis XIV of France, as he was content with being …show more content…
Firstly, King Louis XIV’s actions suggested that he showed little fear—if any—in not being a beloved leader, as he did many things that implanted terror in his subjects. Although some rulers reign with an intense need to be idolized by his subjects, Machiavelli declared that a sovereign will find more success in being feared than admired by his people. He writes, “As it is difficult to combine love and fear, if one has to choose between them it is far safer to be feared than loved” (Machiavelli 78). Louis seemingly made little effort to be adored by his people, as one of his most notable actions was his declaration which informed the citizens that he would rule with absolute power. This meant that his political strength was, essentially, indefinite and not limited by any document or law. By leading as an absolute monarch, King Louis XIV could also implement the lettre de cachet, which …show more content…
Ultimately, his absolute power, the fact that he enforced the lettre de cachet, and his persecution of the Huguenots instilled fear in his subject. Additionally, he robbed the nobles of most their power when he drove them into debt by forcing them to buy expensive attire and when he gave them virtually invaluable positions in government. By lessening the influence of the nobles, he also proved that he was cautious that they might conspire against him. Also, Louis was frequently trying to weaken opposing countries; thus, he proved he was fearful of foreign powers, too. All in all, these three qualities that King Louis XIV possessed helped to make the king one of the most influential leaders of all time and also validated Machiavelli’s advice, as the ruler was the longest ruling monarch in European