With bad laws and good civil servants it's still possible to govern. But with bad civil servants even the best laws can't help.

Beware of sentimental alliances where the consciousness of good deeds is the only compensation for noble sacrifices.

All treaties between great states cease to be binding when they come in conflict with the struggle for existence.

The Americans are a very lucky people. They're bordered to the north and south by weak neighbors, and to the east and west by fish.

Earthly majesty is always akin to the fallen angel, who is proud and unhappy, beautiful but troubled, and whose plans and efforts, though vast, are denied access.

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

To retain respect for sausages and laws, one must not watch them in the making.