Politics is the art of the next best.
Meaning of the quote
This quote means that politics is the skill of choosing the second-best option when the ideal solution is not possible. In other words, when you can't get exactly what you want, politics is the art of finding the next best alternative that still helps achieve your goals. It's about being practical and flexible to make the most out of a difficult situation, rather than holding out for perfection.
About Otto von Bismarck
Otto von Bismarck was a Prussian statesman who played a pivotal role in unifying Germany. As the ‘Iron Chancellor’, he used Realpolitik and firm governance to shape the country’s domestic and foreign policies, creating the first modern welfare state and maintaining a peaceful Europe through adroit diplomacy.
More quotes from Otto von Bismarck
The great questions of the day will not be settled by means of speeches and majority decisions but by iron and blood.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
No civilization other than that which is Christian, is worth seeking or possessing.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
Anyone who has ever looked into the glazed eyes of a soldier dying on the battlefield will think hard before starting a war.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
The main thing is to make history, not to write it.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
With a gentleman I am always a gentleman and a half, and with a fraud I try to be a fraud and a half.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
When you want to fool the world, tell the truth.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
To retain respect for sausages and laws, one must not watch them in the making.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
Whoever speaks of Europe is wrong: it is a geographical expression.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
When you say you agree to a thing in principle you mean that you have not the slightest intention of carrying it out in practice.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
The secret of politics? Make a good treaty with Russia.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
Be polite; write diplomatically; even in a declaration of war one observes the rules of politeness.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
Politics is the art of the next best.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
A statesman… must wait until he hears the steps of God sounding through events, then leap up and grasp the hem of His garment.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
Never believe anything in politics until it has been officially denied.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
I have seen three emperors in their nakedness, and the sight was not inspiring.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
Politics is not an exact science.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
When a man says he approves of something in principle, it means he hasn’t the slightest intention of carrying it out in practice.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
A government must not waiver once it has chosen it’s course. It must not look to the left or right but go forward.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
People never lie so much as after a hunt, during a war or before an election.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
All treaties between great states cease to be binding when they come in conflict with the struggle for existence.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
There is a Providence that protects idiots, drunkards, children and the United States of America.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
Politics is the art of the possible.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
Politics ruins the character.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
A journalist is a person who has mistaken their calling.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)
An appeal to fear never finds an echo in German hearts.
German statesman and Chancellor (1815-1898)