Otto von Bismarck

A conquering army on the border is an admirable school of instruction for the people.

Late 19th century — Reflecting his belief in the unifying and disciplinary effect of military action.

Controversial Unverifiable

Faust complained about two souls dwelling in his breast, but I harbor a whole squabbling crowd.

Late 19th century — A self-deprecating remark about his complex personality and internal conflicts.

Controversial Unverifiable

Take away the Reichstag and the Prussian Landtag, and Bismarck would feel much more at home.

Late 19th century — A reported quip, expressing his disdain for parliamentary politics.

Controversial Unverifiable

A statesman cannot create anything, he must wait and listen until he hears the steps of God sounding through events, and then spring and seize the hem of His garment.

Late 19th century — Reflecting his belief in historical forces and opportunism.

Controversial Unverifiable

Free trade is not a dogma, but a means to an end.

Late 19th century — Reflecting his pragmatic and utilitarian approach to economic policy.

Controversial Unverifiable

The statesman's task is to hear God's footsteps marching through history, and to try and grasp on to His coattails as He thunders past.

Late 19th century — A poetic and somewhat mystical articulation of his view on leadership and destiny.

Controversial Unverifiable

A generation that has taken a kick in the pants will always be grateful for a warm hand on its behind.

Late 19th century — A crude and cynical observation on human psychology and governance.

Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest enemy of any government is its own bureaucracy.

Late 19th century — Reflecting his frustration with administrative inertia and inefficiency.

Controversial Unverifiable

Man cannot create the current of events. He can only slightly alter its course.

Late 19th century — A more humble, fatalistic view of leadership, contrasting with his reputation for bold action.

Controversial Unverifiable

The noise of the world is too loud for me. I need silence to work.

Late 19th century — A revealing personal reflection on his need for solitude.

Controversial Unverifiable

The great majority of people are not interested in politics, but in their own affairs.

Late 19th century — A cynical view on public engagement in governance.

Controversial Unverifiable

Life is like being at the dentist. You always think that the worst is yet to come, and yet it is over already.

Late 19th century — A philosophical and somewhat humorous take on the transient nature of difficulties.

Controversial Unverifiable

The strong are strongest when they are alone.

Late 19th century — Reflecting his belief in independent action and self-reliance in statecraft.

Controversial Unverifiable

To retain the confidence of the people, one must be in sympathy with them.

Late 19th century — A surprisingly populist sentiment from an aristocratic statesman.

Controversial Unverifiable

The world is not governed by the rights of man, but by the might of men.

Late 19th century — A blunt statement of Realpolitik.

Controversial Unverifiable

I have always found that if you don't say anything, you'll reach your goal faster.

Late 19th century — A reflection on the value of strategic silence in negotiations.

Controversial Unverifiable

History is simply a piece of paper covered with a jumble of figures.

Late 19th century — A cynical view on the interpretability and objectivity of historical accounts.

Controversial Unverifiable

My policy is not to be a policy of sentiment, but a policy of realities.

Late 19th century — A clear statement of his commitment to Realpolitik.

Controversial Unverifiable

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

1862 — Speech to Prussian parliament

Controversial Unverifiable

The Balkans are not worth the bones of a single Pomeranian grenadier.

1870s — On avoiding war over Balkan conflicts

Controversial Confirmed

Sayings by Otto von Bismarck