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Delving into a study of about fifty French embassies that were established under Louis XIV, the author demonstrates that the criteria of selection of the diplomatic personnel by the Sun King was directly related to the degree of confidence the King had in these officials. However, this degree of confidence was usually determined by a list of requirements reflecting those listed by numerous authors of works on the concept of the "perfect ambassador." Therefore this selection process reflects the progression of the thought of these authors, developing from a vision marked in humanism to a more rational understanding of the diplomatic culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]