On the other hand, Henry VIII could be vicious, paranoid, self-pitying and vainglorious. Many of his actions were motivated by self-interest, and his failures were never his fault. Henry ruled by proclamation as well as through Parliament and courtiers (and his wives) lived or died at his command. King Henry VIII was a selfish, arrogant, tyrant-like King who only cared about himself in reality, being incapable of truly loving anyone at all. Henry VIII had been a very active, athletic young man. 