A government must not waiver once it has chosen it's course. It must not look to the left or right but go forward.
Otto von Bismarck

A journalist is a person who has mistaken their calling.
Otto von Bismarck

A statesman... must wait until he hears the steps of God sounding through events, then leap up and grasp the hem of His garment.
Otto von Bismarck

All treaties between great states cease to be binding when they come in conflict with the struggle for existence.
Otto von Bismarck

An appeal to fear never finds an echo in German hearts.
Otto von Bismarck

Anyone who has ever looked into the glazed eyes of a soldier dying on the battlefield will think hard before starting a war.
Otto von Bismarck

Be polite; write diplomatically; even in a declaration of war one observes the rules of politeness.
Otto von Bismarck

I have seen three emperors in their nakedness, and the sight was not inspiring.
Otto von Bismarck

Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made.
Otto von Bismarck

Never believe anything in politics until it has been officially denied.
Otto von Bismarck


No civilization other than that which is Christian, is worth seeking or possessing.
Otto von Bismarck

People never lie so much as after a hunt, during a war or before an election.
Otto von Bismarck

Politics is not an exact science.
Otto von Bismarck

Politics is the art of the next best.
Otto von Bismarck

Politics is the art of the possible.
Otto Von Bismarck

Politics ruins the character.
Otto von Bismarck

The great questions of the day will not be settled by means of speeches and majority decisions but by iron and blood.
Otto von Bismarck

The main thing is to make history, not to write it.
Otto von Bismarck

The secret of politics? Make a good treaty with Russia.
Otto von Bismarck

There is a Providence that protects idiots, drunkards, children and the United States of America.
Otto von Bismarck