Final answer:
Louis XIV advised his great-grandson not to imitate his rule, likely due to his reflections on the excesses and autocratic nature of his own reign, which included lavish spending and absolute control over France.
Step-by-step explanation:
Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, advised his great-grandson to lead differently mainly because of his own reflections on his reign at its end. While not explicitly stated in the historical texts, it is widely believed that Louis XIV recognized the excesses and the unsustainable nature of his administration. He heavily used the state's resources to carry out grand projects like the construction of the Palace of Versailles and pursued a form of governance that exerted absolute control over France, centralizing power and flexing France's influence. This lavish spending and autocratic rule could have been seen as detrimental in the long term, prompting Louis XIV to caution his successor.
Choosing between the options provided, B) Louis XIV regretted the excesses of his own reign would be the most accurate interpretation of why he advised his great-grandson not to follow in his footsteps. This answer aligns with the historical context of Louis XIV’s governance, his centralization of power, and use of art and architecture to reinforce his status, as well as the financial strain that his reign put on France.