Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898)

Quotes

• 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.