Otto von Bismarck

The sphere of the press is to inform, not to lead public opinion.

I have always found the word 'impossible' to be singularly unhelpful.

Fools say that they learn by experience. I prefer to learn without being strapped to the wheel.

The violation of the first principle of the Constitution is the only thing that can justify resistance to the government.

My country, right or wrong; if right, to be kept right; and if wrong, to be set right.

He who has his thumb on the purse has the power.

The best way to succeed in politics is to make your enemies furious and your friends extremely uncomfortable.

A really great man is known by three things: his judgment, his courage, and his power of execution.

The statesman’s task is to hear the infallible voice of God in the tocsin of events.

I consider even now the Prussian-Prussian policy to be the true one.

The great questions of the time are not decided by speeches and votes—that was the error of 1848 and 1849—but by iron and blood.

Preventive war is like committing suicide out of fear of death.

A conquering nation is a nation that has lost its soul.

The whole of the politics of Europe is a comedy of errors.

Fatigue makes cowards of us all.

With a gentleman I am always a gentleman and a half, and with a boor I am a boor and a half.

The position of the Socialist is like that of a dog who would always be in front of a tramcar.

I have beaten everyone without anyone seeing me.

The Germans are like women; when they are not slapped, they think they are not loved.

Life is a struggle, and I wish to win it.