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
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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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