Beware of sentimental alliances where the consciousness of good deeds is the only compensation for noble sacrifices. Otto von Bismarck More Quotes by Otto von Bismarck More Quotes From Otto von Bismarck A bad plan that is well executed will yield much better results than a good plan that is poorly executed. Otto von Bismarck yield plans results The most significant event of the 20th century will be the fact that the North Americans speak English. Otto von Bismarck speak-english events facts It is the destiny of the weak to be devoured by the strong. Otto von Bismarck destiny strong weak I consider even a victorious war as an evil, from which statesmanship must endeavor to spare nations. Otto von Bismarck endeavor evil war He who has his thumb on the purse has the power. Otto von Bismarck purses thumbs power 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. Otto von Bismarck russia nice lying A conquering army on the border will not be stopped by eloquence. Otto von Bismarck conquer borders army I have found that nothing so deceives your adversaries as telling them the truth. Otto von Bismarck deceiving honesty truth 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 myself for my want of principle. Otto von Bismarck principles want life Laws are like medicine; they generally cure an evil by a lesser or a passing evil. Otto von Bismarck medicine evil law 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 veterans-day military war 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 hype gentleman trying All treaties between great states cease to be binding when they come in conflict with the struggle for existence. Otto von Bismarck survival struggle reality 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 men funny mean I have always found the word 'Europe' on the lips of those who wanted something from others which they dared not demand in their own names! Otto von Bismarck demand names europe Even the most favorable outcome of the war will never lead to the decomposition of the main forces of Russia, which is based on millions of Russian ... The latter, even if they break up international treaties, just as quickly re-connect with each other, like pieces of a particle of mercury. Otto von Bismarck russia pieces war He obtained from Congress the right to borrow from the people by selling to it the 'bonds' of States ... and the Government and the nation escaped the plots of the foreign financiers. They understood at once, that the United States would escape their grip. The death of Lincoln was resolved upon. Otto von Bismarck united-states government people We Germans fear God, but nothing else in the world. Otto von Bismarck aries fear world You can do everything with bayonets, but you are not able to sit on them Otto von Bismarck bayonets able military 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 consciousness military giving