Otto von Bismarck

"Mountains should always be climbed, not merely walked around."

"Courage is half the victory; confidence is the other half."

"The most dangerous moment comes with victory."

"A diplomat must learn to lose with grace."

"The true German is without hate—he strikes hard, as does the sledge-hammer."

"The art of successful governing consists in not governing too much."

"The price of greatness is always responsibility."

"God has a special providence for fools, drunkards, and the United States."

"In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit."

"Whoever speaks of Europe is wrong: it is a geographical expression."

"Memory is a cruel mistress that dwells on painful truths."

"The people can always be brought to the bidding of their leaders."

"Timing in politics is everything."

"A policy that will work today cannot be guaranteed tomorrow."

"The happiness of a nation can be calculated by how well its poor are treated."

"The best time to do something was yesterday; the second best is now."

"Give me a world of imperfect men who strive for perfection."