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Otto von Bismarck

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All quotes on this page are either simple, or have been translated into simple English.All quotes on this page are either simple, or have been translated into simple English.
All quotes on this page are either simple, or have been translated into simple English.
Otto von Bismarck

Prince Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismarck, Duke of Lauenburg (April 1, 1815 – July 30, 1898) was a German aristocrat and statesman; Prime Minister of Prussia (1862–1890), First Chancellor of Germany (1871–1890); he is nicknamed the Iron Chancellor and is noted for the laconicity of his statements.

Sourced quotes

  • "Nicht durch Reden und Majoritätsbeschlüsse werden die großen Fragen der Zeit entschieden — das ist der große Fehler von 1848 und 1849 gewesen — sondern durch Eisen und Blut."
English: Not by speeches and votes of the majority, are the great questions of the time decided — that was the error of 1848 and 1849 — but by iron and blood.
Simple: The great questions/problems of our time will not be decided by words or votes, but by violence.
About the quote: Speech to the Prussian Diet (September 30, 1862).
  • "A conquering army on the border will not be stopped by eloquence."
Simple: An army on the border will not be stopped by words, you need an army of your own.
About the quote: Speech to North German Reichstag (September 24, 1867).
  • "Setzen wir Deutschland, so zu sagen, in den Sattel! Reiten wird es schon können."
English: Let us lift Germany, so to speak, into the saddle. It will certainly be able to ride.
Simple: If we start Germany on the path of greatness, it will reach its destination.
About the quote: Speech to Parliament of Confederation (1867).
  • "He who has his thumb on the purse has the power."
Simple: He who has the money, has power.
About the quote: Speech to North German Reichstag (May 21, 1869).
  • "Wir Deutschen fürchten Gott, sonst aber Nichts in der Welt; und diese Gottesfurcht ist es schon, die uns den Frieden lieben und pflegen lässt."
English: We Germans fear God, but nothing else in the world; and already that godliness is it, which let us love and foster peace.
Simple: The only thing we Germans fear is God, nothing else in the world.
About the quote: Speech to the Reichstag (February 6, 1888).
  • "With a gentleman I am always a gentleman and a half, and when I have to do with a pirate, I try to be a pirate and a half."[1]
Simple: Whoever I deal with, I try to think as them, and be better at it.

References

  1. ↑ Survey Graphic (1939) by Paul Underwood Kellogg, page 243

Other websites

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