QuoteProject
A statesman... must wait until he hears the steps of God sounding through events, then leap up and grasp the hem of His garment.
Otto Von Bismarck
ShareWTF𝕏

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

Laws are like sausages. You sleep far better the less you know about how they are made.
Otto Von BismarckRead
Preventive 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

Teamwork makes the dream work, but a vision becomes a nightmare when the leader has a big dream and a bad team.
John C. MaxwellRead
If there is such a thing as good leadership, it is to give a good example. I have to do so for all the Ikea employees.
Ingvar KampradRead
I ask that all Americans demonstrate in their personal and public lives... the high ethical standards that are essential to good character and to the continued success of our Nation.
William J. ClintonRead
Where are they now that we, the men whom they sent off to war, have returned? These are commanders who have deserted their troops, and there is no more serious crime in the law of war. The Army says they never leave their wounded. The Marines say they never leave even their dead. These men have left all the casualties and retreated behind a pious shield of public rectitude. They have left the real stuff of their reputation bleaching behind them in the sun in this country.
John F. KerryRead
All power is a trust, that we are accountable for its exercise.
Benjamin DisraeliRead
You acquire more influence with young people when you give up using your power to control them...and the more you use your power to try to control people the less influence you'll have on their lives.
Thomas GordonRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.