Philip II of Spain

Spanish Empire ruler

Early Modern influential 70 sayings

Sayings by Philip II of Spain

I have always sought to do justice, even to my enemies.

c. 1580s — Claiming a commitment to fairness.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I would rather rule over a desert than a land full of heretics.

1560s — Statement on religious intolerance.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Time and I are a match for any two.

1580s — Boast about his patience in governance.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If my son were a heretic, I would carry the wood to burn him myself.

1580s — Remark on religious zeal.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I do not rule Spain; I rule the world.

1580s — Boast about his empire.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

God will know His own, but I will decide who is His.

1570s — Statement on the Inquisition.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A king must be feared before he is loved.

1570s — Political philosophy.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I would rather lose my empire than my soul.

1580s — Religious justification for wars.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let them hate me, so long as they obey.

1570s — Response to criticism.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The sun never sets on my anger.

1580s — Alleged remark about his global reach.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If my own son were guilty like you, I should lead him with my own hands to the stake.

1559 — Said to a nobleman condemned for heresy at Valladolid.
Controversial Unverifiable

What became of the kingdoms and lordships of this world.

1598 — Reported as a reflection on his deathbed to his sons.
Controversial Unverifiable

I would rather lose all my lands than be king of heretics.

1566 — Regarding religious uniformity in his realms.
Humorous Unverifiable

Time and I against any two.

Unknown, attributed to his reign — A personal motto reflecting his patience and perseverance.
Humorous Unverifiable

It is God who has given me so many kingdoms, and I will not lose a single splinter of them.

Unknown, attributed to his reign — Expressing his staunch belief in divine right and territorial integrity.
Humorous Unverifiable

Better not to reign at all than to reign over heretics.

1567 — On religious policy during the Dutch Revolt
Controversial Unverifiable