Otto von Bismarck
German statesman and strategist.
10 quotes in this collection. Read them below, share your favourites, or follow the related links to explore similar voices.
All quotes by Otto von Bismarck
-
“Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made.”
Meaning: The process behind decision-making can be messy and complex. -
“Never believe anything in politics until it has been officially denied.”
Meaning: Official statements may conceal the truth. -
“People never lie so much as after a hunt, during a war, or before an election.”
Meaning: Certain situations encourage exaggeration and dishonesty. -
“Preventive war is like committing suicide for fear of death.”
Meaning: Preemptive actions can lead to unnecessary destruction. -
“Only a fool learns from his own mistakes. The wise man learns from the mistakes of others.”
Meaning: Wisdom comes from observing and learning beyond personal experience. -
“The main thing is to make history, not to write it.”
Meaning: Action matters more than documentation. -
“The great questions of the day will not be settled by means of speeches and majority decisions but by iron and blood.”
Meaning: Power and force often shape history more than debate. -
“A great statesman is he who knows when to depart from traditions.”
Meaning: Adaptability is key to effective leadership. -
“Politics is the art of the possible.”
Meaning: Political success depends on practical solutions rather than idealism. -
“The secret of politics? Make a good treaty with Russia.”
Meaning: Strategic alliances are crucial in geopolitics.