There are no permanent alliances, only permanent interests.
Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount PalmerstonPeace is an Excellent Thing, and War is a great Misfortune. But there are Many things More valuable than Peace, and many Things Much worse than war. The maintenance of the Ottoman Empire belongs to the First Class, the Occupation of Turkey by Russia belongs to the Second.
Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount PalmerstonWhat is merit? The opinion one man entertains of another.
Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount PalmerstonLarge republics seem to be essentially and inherently aggressive.
Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston