Prince Metternich

"Men are governed more by their vanities than by their interests."

"Principles are the chains that bind civilization."

"The greatest power is the power to influence hearts."

"A good historian is a prophet in reverse."

"To understand the present, one must study the past."

"The only constant in politics is change itself."

"Virtue without power is merely sentiment."

"The art of negotiation is patience with purpose."

"Every innovation begins with a single act of imagination."

"To surrender principles for peace is to achieve neither."

"The weight of the crown is borne by those who understand its burden."

"Wisdom is knowing when to speak and when to listen."

"The test of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out."

"Progress comes from understanding necessity."

"A leader's strength lies in his ability to see what others cannot."

"The soul of diplomacy is honesty veiled in courtesy."

"To live greatly is to live with purpose."

"The foundation of all government is law."

"A moment of weakness becomes a lifetime of regret."

"The greatest victories are won without a shot being fired."

"To achieve what you desire, you must first define it clearly."

"The price of stability is eternal vigilance."

"Man's dignity lies in his capacity for reason."

"The future is written by those bold enough to imagine it."

"True friendship transcends the boundaries of state and nation."

"To understand power is to understand history."

"The wisdom of ages teaches us what our own experience cannot."

"A statesman must think in centuries, not years."

"The greatest weakness is believing oneself invulnerable."

"Order within chaos is the mark of true genius."