20 Classic Quotes of Otto von Bismarck, the Iron Chancellor
1Truth's scope lies within the range of a cannon.
2If there are no obstacles on a person's life's journey, what is there for them to do?
3I also believe that promoting German unification solely through violent events is possible. However, a completely different question is the mission of causing a violent disaster and the responsibility of choosing the timing. Arbitrarily deciding to interfere with the course of history invariably leads to the premature falling of unripe fruit. As for saying that German unification isn't a mature fruit at the moment, it's perfectly clear to me.
4People usually learn from experience, but wise people gain experience from the experiences of others.
5There's no other way but to struggle.
6The major problem of this era isn't what is spoken or resolved – these problems can only be solved with iron and blood.
7To eliminate a nation, you must first dismantle its culture; to dismantle its culture, you must first eliminate the language that carries it; to eliminate this language, you must first attack it in their schools.
8Failure is the final test of perseverance.
9Anyone who has seen a dying soldier's glazed eyes on the battlefield will not rashly initiate a war.
10For the unyielding, there is no such thing as failure.
11There are two things made in the most filthy ways: sausage and law.
12Since you will die eventually, why not die with some dignity? Whether dying on the gallows or on the battlefield, there is no difference. We must resist to the end!
13The state is a sailboat on the river of time.
14My advice to young people can be summarized in three sentences: work diligently, work even more diligently, and work to completion.
15A great power's soundest foundation is its self-interest, not romanticism. For a great power to engage in a cause that doesn't align with its interests is incongruous.
16Without a clear understanding of the consequences of war, those who insist on waging war should go to their deaths. After the war, do they have the courage to bear the pain of farmers facing fields turned to ash? Do they have the courage to endure the sadness of physical disabilities and broken families?
17As Germans, we fear no one but God, but it is precisely our reverence for God that makes us cherish and maintain peace.
18History is for understanding the past and educating the future.
19My secret recipe for handling politics is to sign a good agreement with Russia.
20Politicians must wait for the sound of God's footsteps to come through important matters before they leap up to grasp his sleeve.
