I consider even a victorious war as an evil, from which statesmanship must endeavor to spare nations.

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

I have seen three emperors in their nakedness, and the sight was not inspiring.

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

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

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.

You can't destroy the polish national-consciousness or Poles on the battlefield, but if you give them power, they will destroy themselves