The absolutist state was at its height. Its functioning depended on government officials, but of course, also on a good king. If Henri IV was remembered as a wise ruler, Louis XIV now receives posthumous criticism. His son, Louis XV, was less successful than his predecessors, according to the physiocrats unwritten opinions. But the main problem was the lack of confidence of intellectuals and government officials in the future king, Louis XVI. Though he was to show some astuteness in nominating Turgot as comptroller general, the events were soon to justify the functionaries concern.