The phrase "L'état, c'est moi," meaning "I am the state," is attributed to Louis XIV, the King of France from 1643 to 1715. He epitomized absolute monarchy, asserting that his authority was derived from divine right. Louis XIV centralized and strengthened the state's power, promoting a culture of opulence at Versailles to legitimize his rule. His reign symbolized the consolidation of royal power, ultimately influencing European governance and instigating both admiration and resentment among his contemporaries. His approach set a precedent for later monarchs and influenced the future of political thought regarding authority and governance.