QuoteProject
Politics is the art of the possible, the attainable β€” the art of the next best
Otto Von Bismarck
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Politics involves finding practical solutions within the limits of what can be achieved.

This quote by Otto Von Bismarck highlights the essence of politics as a discipline concerned with what is feasible and realistic rather than idealistic visions. It suggests that effective political action often requires compromise and the ability to pursue the most achievable goals rather than perfect ones, recognizing the limitations imposed by reality.

Themes

PoliticsPossibilityGovernanceRealismCompromise

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be referenced during a political debate to emphasize the need for practical solutions.

More from Otto Von Bismarck

Laws are like sausages. You sleep far better the less you know about how they are made.
Otto Von BismarckRead
Preventive war is like committing suicide out of fear of death.
Otto Von BismarckRead
With a gentleman I am always a gentleman and a half, and with a fraud I try to be a fraud and a half.
Otto Von BismarckRead
It is the destiny of the weak to be devoured by the strong.
Otto Von BismarckRead
A generation that has taken a beating is always followed by a generation that deals one.
Otto Von BismarckRead
The less people know about how sausages and laws are made, the better they'll sleep at night
Otto Von BismarckRead

Similar quotes

In the final analysis it doesn't really matter what the political system is...We don't need perfect political systems; we need perfect participation.
Cesar ChavezRead
All my games were political games; I was, like Joan of Arc, perpetually being burned at the stake.
Indira GandhiRead
The world will not accept dictatorship or domination.
Mikhail GorbachevRead
Politics is almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous. In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times.
Winston ChurchillRead
I say further that for this great legislative body to ignore the Constitution and the fundamental concepts of our governmental system is to act in a manner which could ultimately destroy the freedom of all American citizens, including the freedoms of the very persons whose feelings and whose liberties are the major subject of this legislation.
Barry GoldwaterRead
In Washington, task forces work like Tylenol: they reduce the symptoms of scandal while leaving the substance untouched.
Jonathan TurleyRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Otto Von Bismarck | QuoteProject