Politics is the art of the possible.
Die Politik ist die Lehre vom Möglichen.

Politicians
Otto von Bismarck
First chancellor of the German Empire (1815-1898). The "Iron Chancellor" unified Germany through three wars (1864-1871), designed the first welfare state, and ran Europe's alliance system until his 1890 dismissal.
View this figure's profile
Otto von Bismarck's Other Quotes
Related Quotes
The virtuous city resembles a sound and healthy body.
-- Farabi
The ruler of the virtuous city is one who unites wisdom and prophecy.
-- Farabi
The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others.
-- John Stuart Mill
Unless philosophers rule as kings, or kings genuinely philosophize, there will be no end to troubles for states.
-- Plato
Man is by nature a political animal.
-- Aristotle
The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.
-- John Locke