Clear Quote by Henry A. Kissinger
“Realism in foreign policy is made up of a clear set of values, since difficult foreign policy decisions are often decided with the narrowest of majorities. Without any sense of what is right and wrong, one would drown in a flood of difficult and pragmatic decisions.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address on foreign policy, date unknown
Realism requires clear values; without moral clarity, policy becomes a chaotic, pragmatic struggle.
In simple terms: Clear values guide realistic foreign policy.
Key Takeaway
Define core values before making policy choices.
Themes
realism
ethics
policy
decision-making
Mood
analytical
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- diplomatic negotiations
- legislative voting
- crisis management
- international aid
Key Concepts
political theory
morality
strategic studies
Questions to Reflect On
- What values should guide your decisions?
- How do you balance realism with moral imperatives?
A Different Perspective
Rigid realism may ignore humanitarian concerns.
![“Before the Freedom of Information Act, I used to say at meetings "The illegal we do immediately. The unconstitutional takes a little longer." [...] But since the Freedom of Information Act, I'm afraid to say things like that.” quote by Henry A. Kissinger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6dc/henry-a-kissinger-1068_freedom_before-the-freedom-of-information-act-i_25339.jpg)
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
