Otto von Bismarck

Every state must be aware that its peace, its security rests on its own sword.

If we really came to a position in which we could no longer produce the grain which we must necessarily consume, then in what state would we be if in wartime we had no Russian grain imports and perhaps simultaneously were blockaded along …

In the domain of political economy the abstract doctrines of science leave me perfectly cold, my only standard of judgment being experience.

An agreement between Russia and the German foe of for joint action, military and political, against the Polish ‘Bruderstamm’ movement was a decisive blow to the views of the philo-Polish party at the Russian court. ... The convention said …

It was not then possible to forecast with certainty whether and how long the Czar's friendship would remain a realisable political asset. In any case, however, simple common sense enjoined us not to let it fall into the possession of our …

Your map of Africa is really quite nice. But my map of Africa lies in Europe. Here is Russia, and here... is France, and we're in the middle — that's my map of Africa.

I am not antagonistic to the rightful claims of capital; I am far from wanting to flourish a hostile flag; but I am of opinion that the masses, too, have rights which should be considered.

I should like to see the State, which for the most part consists of Christians—although you reject the name Christian State—penetrated to some extent by the principles of the religion it professes; especially as concerns the help one gives …

In the development of our tariff I am determined to oppose any modification in the direction of Free Trade, and to use my influence in favour of greater protection and of a higher revenue from frontier duties.

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 try to be a pirate and a half.

I see in the whole no interest for Germany which would be worth even [...] the healthy bones of a single Pomeranian musketeer. Speech to the Reichstag 5 December 1876

The politician has not to revenge what has happened but to ensure that it does not happen again.

Setzen wir Deutschland, so zu sagen, in den Sattel! Reiten wird es schon können.

A conquering army on the border will not be stopped by eloquence.

I must protest that I would never seek foreign conflicts just to go over domestic difficulties; that would be frivolous. I was speaking of conflicts that we could not avoid, even though we do not seek them.

The social insecurity of the worker is the real cause of their being a peril to the state.

I grant that I am full of prejudices; I sucked them in with my mother's milk, and I cannot possibly argue them away.