Quotation by

Otto von Bismarck

Be polite write diplomatically even in a declaration of war one observes the rules of politeness.

War

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Otto von Bismarck is saying that even when making serious or harsh statements, such as declaring war, one should maintain a respectful and careful tone. This implies that civility and proper conduct are important regardless of the situation's severity.

More by this author

All quotes by Otto von Bismarck →

More quotes about War

See all →

He who joyfully marches to music in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would suffice.

One of the greatest casualties of the war in Vietnam is the Great Society... shot down on the battlefield of Vietnam.

The release of atomic energy has not created a new problem. It has merely made more urgent the necessity of solving an existing one.

Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.

We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hill…

Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.