Otto von Bismarck

Unified Germany

Modern influential 108 sayings

Sayings by 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.

1880s — On political timing
Controversial Unverifiable

The great questions of the day will not be decided by speeches and resolutions of majorities, but by iron and blood.

1862 — Another rendition of his 'Blood and Iron' quote.
Humorous Unverifiable

God has a special providence for fools, drunkards, and the United States of America.

Late 19th century — A wry comment on American exceptionalism, often attributed to him.
Humorous Confirmed

I have often been accused of being a cynic. I am not. I am a realist.

Late 19th century — A self-defense against criticisms of his pragmatism.
Humorous Unverifiable

A really great man is known by three signs: generosity in the design, humanity in the execution, moderation in success.

Late 19th century — A philosophical observation on the qualities of leadership.
Humorous Unverifiable

It is not by means of speeches and majority resolutions that the great issues of the day will be decided, but by iron and blood.

1862 — Yet another rendering of his 'Blood and Iron' statement.
Humorous Unverifiable

The secret of success in politics is to have a good digestion.

Late 19th century — A humorous take on the resilience required for political life.
Humorous Unverifiable

Be polite, write promptly, and be prepared to kill.

Late 19th century — A darkly witty piece of advice, reflecting his pragmatic and ruthless side.
Humorous Unverifiable

Russia is never as strong as she looks, and never as weak as she looks.

Late 19th century — A shrewd observation on Russian power and perception.
Humorous Unverifiable

The greatest danger to Germany's future is not the French or the Russians, but the Germans themselves.

Late 19th century — A warning about internal divisions and self-sabotage.
Humorous Unverifiable

The only way to be a successful politician is to be a good actor.

Late 19th century — A cynical view on the performative aspect of politics.
Humorous Unverifiable

Politics is the art of the next best.

Late 19th century — A pragmatic definition of politics, focusing on compromise and achievable goals.
Humorous Unverifiable

The best way to unite Germany is to give them a common enemy.

Mid-19th century — Reflecting his strategy for German unification through conflict.
Humorous Unverifiable

The statesman's duty is to preserve the state, not to indulge in sentiment.

Late 19th century — A statement on his ruthless pragmatism in foreign policy.
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always found that if you want to be successful, you must be prepared to be unpopular.

Late 19th century — A reflection on the cost of effective leadership.
Humorous Unverifiable

The less you know about how sausages are made and laws are passed, the better you'll sleep at night.

Late 19th century — A slightly rephrased version of his famous quote.
Humorous Unverifiable

The only way to deal with a man who is always right is to let him be wrong.

Late 19th century — A humorous and insightful piece of interpersonal advice.
Humorous Unverifiable

To retain the respect of the people, a government must be strong enough to punish crime, and rich enough to buy off the honest.

Late 19th century — A cynical but pragmatic view on maintaining power.
Humorous Unverifiable

A generation that has taken a great war to its heart will always carry it within them.

Late 19th century — Reflecting on the long-lasting impact of conflict.
Humorous Unverifiable

The great reserve of strength which every country possesses lies in the honesty of its citizens.

Late 19th century — A more idealistic sentiment from the usually pragmatic Bismarck.
Humorous Unverifiable