Fools you are who say you like to learn from your mistakes. I prefer to learn from the mistakes of others, and avoid the cost of my own.

Whoever speaks of Europe is wrong: it is a geographical expression.

A statesman... must wait until he hears the steps of God sounding through events, then leap up and grasp the hem of His garment.

Your map of Africa is really quite nice. But my map of Africa lies in Europe. Here is Russia, and here... is France, and we're in the middle - that's my map of Africa.

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.

This policy cannot succeed through speeches, and shooting-matches, and songs; it can only be carried out through blood and iron.

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