Otto von Bismarck

Beware of sentimental alliances where the consciousness of good deeds is the only compensation for noble sacrifices.

Politics is the art of the possible.
(originally, "Die Politik ist die Lehre von Möglichen.")

Show me an objective worthy of war and I will go along with you.

A special Providence protects fools, drunkards, small children and the United States of America.

All treaties between great states cease to be binding when they come in conflict with the struggle of existence.

When a man says he approves of something in principle, it means he hasn't the slightest intention of putting it into practice.

Laws are like sausages. It's better not to see them being made.

Politics is the art of the possible.

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

When you want to fool the world, tell the truth.

A man never lies as much as after a hunt, during a war, and before an election.