# Louis XIV — The Theory of Moral Sentiments character guide

> Louis XIV in The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0018-ii-of-the-origin-of-ambition-and-of-the-distinction-of-ranks

## Who they are

French king used as an example of the admiration of the great.

## In the story

### [II: Of the Origin of Ambition, and of the Distinction of Ranks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/ii-of-the-origin-of-ambition-and-of-the-distinction-of-ranks)

Cited as a model prince whose reputation rested on his majestic appearance and deportment rather than on justice, knowledge, or heroic valour.

### [III: Of the Corruption of Our Moral Sentiments, Which Is Occasioned by This Disposition to Admire the Rich and the Great, and to Despise or Neglect Persons of Poor and Mean Condition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/iii-of-the-corruption-of-our-moral-sentiments-which-is-occasioned-by-this-disposition-to-admire-the-rich-and-the-great-and-to-despise-or-neglect-persons-of-poor-and-mean-condition)

Referenced indirectly through the anecdote of the Duke of Sully and Louis XIII, illustrating the disdain for solid virtues in corrupt courts.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters/louis_xiv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters