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.
Otto Von BismarckRead
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 BismarckRead
Politics is the art of the possible, the attainable β the art of the next best
Otto Von BismarckRead
It is the destiny of the weak to be devoured by the strong.
Otto Von BismarckRead
A generation that has taken a beating is always followed by a generation that deals one.
Otto Von BismarckRead
Similar quotes
In politics, what begins in fear usually ends in folly.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
It is an unquestionable truth, that the body of the people in every country desire sincerely its prosperity. But it is equally unquestionable that they do not possess the discernment and stability necessary for systematic government. To deny that they are frequently led into the grossest of errors, by misinformation and passion, would be a flattery which their own good sense must despise.
Alexander HamiltonRead
Because of you, in Afghanistan we've broken the momentum of the Taliban. Because of you, we've begun a transition to the Afghans that will allow us to bring our troops home from there. And around the globe, as we draw down in Iraq, we have gone after al Qaeda so that terrorists who threaten America will have no safe haven, and Osama bin Laden will never again walk the face of this Earth.
Barack ObamaRead
Populism is the simple premise that markets need to be restrained by society and by a democratic political system. We are not socialists or communists, we are proponents of regulated capitalism and, I might add, people who have read American history.
Molly IvinsRead
We must not let history repeat itself in Iraq. The reality is there is no military solution in Iraq. This is a sectarian war with long standing roots that were flamed when we invaded Iraq in 2003. Any lasting solution must be political and take into account respect for the entire Iraqi population.
Barbara LeeRead
Here in Minnesota, we don't only welcome immigrants; we send them to Washington.
Ilhan OmarRead