Be polite; write diplomatically; even in a declaration of war one observes the rules of politeness.

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

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.

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

Anyone who has ever looked into the glazed eyes of a soldier dying on the battlefield will think hard before starting a war.

He who has his thumb on the purse has the power.