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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.
Otto Von Bismarck
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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.

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