Laws are like sausages. You sleep far better the less you know about how they are made.
Otto Von BismarckRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Politics involves strategic decision-making in complex and dynamic environments, prioritizing practical outcomes over pure logic.
In this quote, Bismarck emphasizes that political decision-making is not rooted solely in scientific logic but rather in the ability to navigate ever-changing circumstances. Politicians must assess situations continuously and make choices that minimize harm while maximizing utility, highlighting the pragmatic nature of politics.
Themes
PoliticsDecision-MakingStrategyUtilityAdaptation
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, when discussing the challenges of governance, one could reference this quote to illustrate the complexity of political choices.
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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