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In 1661, when Louis XIV came into power he declared himself as his own prime minister. From that day until his death over a half century later, he directed the affairs of the state and dispensed the crown's patronage to ensure that power rested with him personally and not with a chief minister. As Louis XIV grew older, he became more devout, his court became more moral. However, one aspect of Louis" character never changed, his love for glory. Magnificence, generosity, and military conquests had long been considered the true marks of greatness for the King. .
"Louis was, however, lacking in originality; there was in him no spark of genius," but he had both the determination to master the details of government and the ability to direct the administration of the kingdom. "Louis XIV took great pains to be well informed of all that passed everywhere; in the public places, in the private houses, in society and familiar intercourse. His spies and tell ties where infinite. He had them of all species." He was unfailingly courteous and usually honest and straightforward, although he was a master of disguise when there was a need. He believed that all power had to be gathered in his hands, he denied the great nobles a significant role in the government, but to win their loyalty he bought them to court and treated them to a series of entertainments. When Louis became bored of court life, there was usually a war on which he and noble could embark on in search of honor and glory. No noble could hope for advancement without winning favor at court, and royal generosity was a heavy financial drain on France. Louis finally tamed the French nobility, but in doing so he became their captive. From the time of his reign the fortunes of the king and the great nobles were so closely bound together that they could not be separated. Their alliance led to their mutual destruction in the revolution. Troops were raised and paid in the name of their king not their captain.
