Be polite; write diplomatically; even in a declaration of war one observes the rules of politeness. – Otto von Bismarck
When you say you agree to a thing in principle you mean that you have not the slightest intention of carrying it out in practice. – Otto von Bismarck
With a gentleman I am always a gentleman and a half, and with a fraud I try to be a fraud and a half. – 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
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
There is a Providence that protects idiots, drunkards, children and the United States of America. – Otto von Bismarck
When a man says he approves of something in principle, it means he hasn’t the slightest intention of carrying it out in practice. – 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
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
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
No civilization other than that which is Christian, is worth seeking or possessing. – Otto von Bismarck
