Preventive war is like committing suicide out of fear of death.
Otto Von BismarckRead
Laws are like sausages. You sleep far better the less you know about how they are made.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that ignorance can lead to a more comfortable life, especially regarding complex and messy processes like law-making.
Otto Von Bismarck's quote highlights the often unsettling nature of understanding the intricacies behind laws and their formation. Just as many people prefer not to know the unpleasant details of how sausages are made, they may also find comfort in remaining unaware of the political machinations that create laws. This speaks to the human tendency to avoid discomforting truths for the sake of peace of mind.
Themes
LawsIgnoranceComfortTruthPolitics
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on legal reform, one could use this quote to highlight the discomfort of understanding complex legislative processes.
More from Otto Von Bismarck
All quotes βWith a gentleman I am always a gentleman and a half, and with a fraud I try to be a fraud and a half.
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Politics is the art of the possible, the attainable β the art of the next best
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It is the destiny of the weak to be devoured by the strong.
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A generation that has taken a beating is always followed by a generation that deals one.
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The less people know about how sausages and laws are made, the better they'll sleep at night
Otto Von BismarckRead
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