41 Otto Von Bismarck Quotes For Your History Studies
Gallery
Otto Eduard Leopold, Prince of Bismarck, Duke of Lauenburg is better known to people as Otto Von Bismarck.
He was born on 1 April 1815 in Schönhausen, Kingdom of Prussia. He died on 30 July 1898 in Friedrichsruh, German Empire.
Otto Von Bismarck is best known for his political tactics. He was a conservative German statesman who was responsible for the unification of Germany in 1871.
He also served as the Chancellor of unified Germany until 1890. He was called the Iron Chancellor of Germany. During these two decades, he dominated the political scene in Europe.
He provoked three wars against Denmark, Austria, and France. He abolished the German Confederation and aligned the smaller North German states behind Prussia. He formed the German Empire that excluded Austria and united Germany under one name.
Otto Von Bismarck built the base for Germany to thrive until its fall by Hitler's hands. Here are a few Otto Von Bismarck quotes about Russia, Otto Von Bismarck quotes blood and iron, Otto Von Bismarck quotes on the Balkans that will help the history students understand him better.
If you like Otto Von Bismarck quotes and are looking for similar articles, you should check out Von Clausewitz quotes and Charles de Gaulle quotes.
Best Otto Von Bismarck Quotes
Even though Bismarck is most known for his "iron and blood" quote, he has said many wise things throughout his life. This man understood the core of world politics and how to control it.
He understood history and how it affects the present and which in turn, affects a country's future. Some of his quotes were almost prophecies.
He predicted the first world war and that is probably the sign of a true mastermind of politics. Here are a few quotes by Otto Von Bismarck that prove why he is still one of the most celebrated politicians of all time.
1. "Only a fool learns from his own mistakes. The wise man learns from the mistakes of others."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
2. "When you want to fool the world, tell the truth."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
3. "The great questions of the day will not be settled by means of speeches and majority decisions but by iron and blood."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
4. "Never believe anything in politics until it has been officially denied."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
5. "God has a special providence for fools, drunkards, and the United States of America."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
6. "All treaties between great states cease to be binding when they come in conflict with the struggle for existence."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
7. "Politics is the art of the possible, the attainable — the art of the next best."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
8. "A conquering army on the border will not be stopped by eloquence."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
9. "The social insecurity of the worker is the real cause of their being a peril to the state."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
10. "People never lie so much as after a hunt, during a war, or before an election."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
11. "Preventive war is like committing suicide out of fear of death."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
12. "Anyone who has ever looked into the glazed eyes of a soldier dying on the battlefield will think hard before starting a war."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
13. "Crowned heads, wealth and privilege may well tremble should ever again the Black and Red unite!"
- Otto Von Bismarck.
14. "Be polite; write diplomatically; even in a declaration of war one observes the rules of politeness."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
15. "Fools say that they learn by experience. I prefer to profit by others' experience."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
16. "Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
17. "The secret of politics? Make a good treaty with Russia."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
18. "One day the great European War will come out of some damned foolish thing in the Balkans."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
19. "The statesman's task is to hear God's footsteps marching through history, and to try and catch on to His coattails as He marches past."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
20. "Great men have great dogs."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
Inspirational Otto Von Bismarck Quotes
Otto Von Bismarck didn't only serve as the Chancellor of the German Reich but also Minister-President of Prussia, Chancellor of the North German Confederation, and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was one of the most accomplished statesmen of not just his country but the whole world.
He rose through ranks because of his sharp wit and bottomless wisdom.
He did impart some of his wisdom for his subjects to follow. Here is a few Otto Von Bismarck quotes that will make you want to go back to your history class again.
21. "With a gentleman, I am always a gentleman and a half, and with a fraud, I try to be a fraud and a half."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
22. "Man cannot control the current of events. he can only float with them and steer."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
23. "What we learn from History is that no one learns from History."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
24. "A really great man is known by three signs-generosity in the design, humanity in the execution, moderation in success."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
25. "We Germans fear God, but nothing else in the world."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
26. "A little caution outflanks a large cavalry."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
27. "My subject is my life, and my life is my subject."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
28. "The main thing is to make history, not to write it."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
29. "Politics are not a science based on logic; they are the capacity of always choosing at each instant, in constantly changing situations, the least harmful, the most useful."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
30. "Political judgment is the ability to hear the distant hoofbeats of the horse of history."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
31. "Woe to the leader whose arguments at the end of a war are not as plausible as they were at the beginning."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
32. "I am accustomed to paying men back in their own coin."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
33. "I have found that nothing so deceives your adversaries as telling them the truth."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
34. "Whoever speaks of Europe is wrong: it is a geographical expression."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
35. "An appeal to fear never finds an echo in German hearts."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
36. "Better pointed bullets than pointed speeches."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
37. "Show me an objective worthy of war and I will go along with you."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
38. "You can't destroy the Polish national-consciousness or Poles on the battlefield, but if you give them power, they will destroy themselves."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
39. "Beware of sentimental alliances where the consciousness of good deeds is the only compensation for noble sacrifices."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
40. "I have only one ambition left: I should like to have a good epitaph."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
41. "Faust complained about having two souls in his breast, but I harbor a whole crowd of them and they quarrel. It is like being in a republic."
- Otto Von Bismarck.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Otto Von Bismarck quotes then why not take a look at Kropotkin quotes, or Meister Eckhart quotes.
Main image credit: Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock.com
We Want Your Photos!
More for You
See All
Bachelor of Arts specializing in Linguistics
Martha MartinsBachelor of Arts specializing in Linguistics
Martha is a full-time creative writer, content strategist, and aspiring screenwriter who communicates complex thoughts and ideas effectively. She has completed her Bachelor's in Linguistics from Nasarawa State University. As an enthusiast of public relations and communication, Martha is well-prepared to substantially impact your organization as your next content writer and strategist. Her dedication to her craft and commitment to delivering high-quality work enables her to create compelling content that resonates with audiences.
Disclaimer
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.
