Even the most favorable outcome of the war will never lead to the decomposition of the main forces of Russia, which is based on millions of Russian ... The latter, even if they break up international treaties, just as quickly re-connect with each other, like pieces of a particle of mercury.

Life has taught me to forgive much, but to seek forgiveness still more.

Politics is not a science, as the professors are apt to suppose. It is an art.

Not even the King himself has the right to subordinate the interests of his country to his own feelings of love or hatred towards strangers; he is, however, responsible towards God and not to me if he does so, and therefore on this point I am silent.

War should only be used for a policy worth its sacrifices.

History is simply a piece of paper covered with print: the main thing is to make history, not to write it.

We Germans fear God, but nothing else in the world.