On Social Order and Absolute Monarchy
... they are defying God as well. Just as important, “...[the ruler’s] authority should reflect the operation of the will of God…Whose rule they ought make visible through their power,” meaning that the ruler must govern in such a way that it displays God’s will. Also, an obligation of a ruler is to enforce his laws and provide justice for his people. Even though he is perceived to be above the law, to be a ruler under God, he must obey his own laws. When all items are achieved, harmony occurs, which makes the ruler look superior. Louis XIV had all the power under absolutism. He was free to rule the way he wanted to rule without the interference of others contradicting or opposing his decisions. He wanted to be a good ruler and have people like him, and with absolutism, it gave him the chance he needed to do what he wanted to do to gain public support while still maintaining society. Louis XIV was called “The Sun King” because everything revolved around him, also because he was a popular ruler to his people. When he needed to focus on the needs of his people, he did not have any greedy officials in his way opposing his ideas. Everyone had to respect him, because he was the law. He did not completely ignore his officials but, rather, tried to make then happy as well by providing them with stays at his palace at Versailles. At Versailles, his name “The Sun King” was completely accurate because every guest’s schedule revolved around the king at all times spanning from when he awoke to when he was ready to sleep. Although Louis XIV was a great and very popular ruler, there were still people who criticized the system of absolutism. The main criticizers were the high ranked officials who, after the coming of absolutism, had no power anymore. They were all use t...