Laws are like sausages. You sleep far better the less you know about how they are made.
Otto Von BismarckRead
Politics is the art of the next best.
Interpretation
Politics often involves compromise and making the best possible decisions under challenging circumstances.
The quote by Otto Von Bismarck emphasizes that politics is not about achieving perfection but rather about finding the most viable solutions when ideal options are unavailable. It highlights the necessity for politicians to navigate complexity and prioritize practical outcomes over lofty ideals.
In practice
In a discussion on effective governance, referencing this quote can illustrate the need for realistic strategies.
Laws are like sausages. You sleep far better the less you know about how they are made.
Preventive war is like committing suicide out of fear of death.
With a gentleman I am always a gentleman and a half, and with a fraud I try to be a fraud and a half.
Politics is the art of the possible, the attainable β the art of the next best
It is the destiny of the weak to be devoured by the strong.
A generation that has taken a beating is always followed by a generation that deals one.
None of us here in Washington knows all or even half of the answers ... If you love your country, don't depend on handouts from Washington for your information. If you cherish your freedom, don't leave it all up to big government.
[V]irtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government.
The future of this republic is in the hands of the American voter.
The corporate lobby in Washington is basically designed to stifle all legislative activity on behalf of consumers.
The damage done to this country by its own misconduct in the last few months and years, to its very heart and soul, is far greater and longer lasting than any damage that any terrorist could possibly inflict upon us.
The corporations are powerful only because we have allowed them to be. In theory, it is we, not they, who mandate the state. But we have neglected our duty of citizenship, and they have taken advantage of our neglect to seize the reins of government.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.