Laws are like sausages. You sleep far better the less you know about how they are made.
Otto Von BismarckRead
When a man says he approves of something in principle, it means he hasn't the slightest intention of carrying it out in practice.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the gap between approval and action, suggesting that verbal support often lacks follow-through in reality.
Otto Von Bismarck's quote critiques the tendency of individuals to express agreement or support for an idea in theory, while their actual commitment to implementing it remains nonexistent. This reflects a common human behavior where people may voice their approval without any intent to take action, exposing a disconnect between words and deeds.
Themes
ApprovalActionIntentionWordsDeeds
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about political promises that are often unfulfilled.
More from Otto Von Bismarck
All quotes βPreventive war is like committing suicide out of fear of death.
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With 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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