Lettre à Louis XIV

audiobook

Lettre à Louis XIV

by François de Salignac de La Mothe- Fénelon

FR·~19 minutes

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Description

In this powerful, 17th‑century missive, a humble yet fearless voice reaches out to the Sun King, offering a stark reflection on his reign. Written by a man who knows the court intimately, the letter blends personal devotion with sharp moral critique, pointing out how courtly flattery and unchecked ambition have eclipsed the true duties of rulership. It asks the monarch to look beyond the glitter of power and consider the deeper responsibilities owed to his people and to God.

The writer unpacks the consequences of endless wars, lavish spending, and a bureaucracy that has turned governance into self‑service. By invoking historical episodes and the very principles of justice, the text urges a return to honest, equitable rule. Listeners will be drawn into a timeless conversation about authority, conscience, and the cost of greatness, all delivered in the eloquent, persuasive style of a master of moral philosophy.

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Details

Language

fr

Duration

~19 minutes (18K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Release date

2004-11-01

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

François de Salignac de La Mothe- Fénelon

François de Salignac de La Mothe- Fénelon

1651–1715

Best known for The Adventures of Telemachus, this French archbishop and writer blended elegant storytelling with big moral and political ideas. His books made him one of the most widely read religious and literary voices of his time.

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