They treat me like a fox, a cunning fellow (Schlaukopf) of the first rank. But the truth is that with a gentleman I am always a gentleman and a half, and when I have to do with a pirate, I… — Otto von Bismarck Copy Share Image
I have never lived on principles. When I have had to act, I never first asked myself on what principles I was going to act, but I went at it and did what I thought fit. I have often reproached… — Otto von Bismarck Copy Share Image
One can put some trust in the gratitude of a sovereign, and also in that of his family; under certain conditions, one can even… — Otto von Bismarck Copy Share Image
Fools learn from experience. I prefer to learn from the experience of others. — Otto von Bismarck Copy Share Image
Earthly majesty is always akin to the fallen angel, who is proud and unhappy, beautiful but troubled, and whose plans and efforts, though vast,… — Otto von Bismarck Copy Share Image
“The Balkans aren't worth the life of a single Pomeranian grenadier.” — Otto von Bismarck Copy Share Image
Never believe anything in politics until it has been officially denied. — Otto von Bismarck Copy Share Image
The government should cultivate the view also among the propertyless classes of the population, those who are the most numerous and the least educated,… — Otto von Bismarck Copy Share Image
Be polite; write diplomatically; even in a declaration of war one observes the rules of politeness. — Otto von Bismarck Copy Share Image
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 Copy Share Image
Fools you are who say you like to learn from your mistakes. I prefer to learn from the mistakes of others, and avoid the… — Otto von Bismarck Copy Share Image
“Verfallen wir nicht in den Fehler, bei jedem Andersmeinenden entweder an seinem Verständnis oder an seinem guten Willen zu zweifeln.” — Otto von Bismarck Copy Share Image
