Laws are like sausages. You sleep far better the less you know about how they are made.
Otto Von BismarckRead
A statesman... must wait until he hears the steps of God sounding through events, then leap up and grasp the hem of His garment.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A true leader must be patient and observant, acting at the right moment when opportunity arises.
This quote by Otto Von Bismarck emphasizes the importance of timing and divine guidance in leadership. A statesman, or leader, should carefully observe the unfolding of events and then act decisively, aligning his actions with the natural course of things, as if responding to a higher calling or purpose. It reflects the idea that successful leadership often requires patience and the ability to recognize and seize opportunities as they align with a greater plan.
Themes
LeadershipTimingOpportunityPatienceAction
In practice
Example use cases
During a political rally to inspire young leaders on the importance of timing in their careers.
More from Otto Von Bismarck
All quotes →Preventive 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 — 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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