Otto von Bismarck

"A diplomat must know when to advance and when to retreat."

"One must study the past to understand the present."

"The secret of eternal youth is to remain ignorant of age."

"Political decisions are made by the strong, not by the righteous."

"A man of authority must sometimes act without all the information."

"The measure of a leader is not whether he succeeds, but whether he leaves his nation stronger."

"Intelligence combined with caution creates the perfect strategist."

"One should fear nothing but one's own conscience."

"The world rewards those who are not afraid to challenge it."

"A nation's true strength lies in its ability to adapt."

"The wise leader surrounds himself with men of differing opinions."

"Never make a threatening gesture you cannot follow through on."

"The greatest luxury is the ability to choose one's own advisors."

"History will judge whether my actions were right or wrong."

"A statesman must always be prepared for the unexpected."

"The secret of good government is the proper use of fear."

"Men are not moved by abstract principles, but by concrete benefits."

"A successful negotiation leaves both sides convinced they have won."

"The strongest army is one with absolute faith in its commander."

"One must always have a plan to deal with one's greatest enemy."

"The world respects only those who can enforce their will."

"A leader who cannot make difficult decisions is not a leader at all."

"Politics is the art of making what is necessary appear possible."

"The greatest political skill is knowing what your enemy wants before he does."

"Never negotiate from a position of weakness, only from necessity."

"A man must love his nation above all other considerations."

"The future belongs to those who prepare for it today."

"One should respect one's opponents, but never trust them completely."

"The mark of a great statesman is knowing when to yield power."

"Authority without respect is merely tyranny."