Klemens Von Metternich was an Austrian politician and diplomat who served as the Austrian Empire's Foreign Minister from 1809 to 1848. He is best known for his role in the Congress of Vienna, which sought to restore order to Europe after the Napoleonic Wars. He is also credited with creating the Concert of Europe, a system of international relations that lasted until World War I.
What is the most famous quote by Klemens Von Metternich ?
I have never feared that the revolution would be engendered by the universities; but that at them a whole generation of revolutionaries must be formed, unless the evil is restrained, seems to me certain.... The greatest and consequently most urgent evil now is the press.... All journals, pamphlets in Germany must be under a censorship.
— Klemens Von Metternich
What can you learn from Klemens Von Metternich (Life Lessons)
- Klemens Von Metternich's legacy teaches us the importance of diplomacy and compromise in international relations, as he was able to maintain peace and stability in Europe through his skillful negotiations.
- He also demonstrated the power of coalition-building, as he was able to form the Concert of Europe to maintain the balance of power.
- Lastly, he showed us the importance of understanding the motivations and interests of other nations in order to achieve successful outcomes.
The most helpful Klemens Von Metternich quotes to get the best of your day
Following is a list of the best Klemens Von Metternich quotes, including various Klemens Von Metternich inspirational quotes, and other famous sayings by Klemens Von Metternich.
The word 'Italy' is a geographical expression, a description which is useful shorthand, but has none of the political significance the efforts of the revolutionary ideologues try to put on it, and which is full of dangers for the very existence of the states which make up the peninsula.
Ten million ignorances do not constitute one knowledge.
Any plan conceived in moderation must fail when the circumstances are set in extremes.
The obvious is always least understood.
It is useless to close the gates against ideas; they overlap them.
Stability is not immobility.
Italy is only a geographical expression.
The men who make history have not time to write it.
Diplomatic quotes by Klemens Von Metternich
The events which can not be prevented, must be directed.
When France sneezes, all of Europe catches cold.
When Paris sneezes, Europe catches cold.
Error has never approached my spirit.
I came into the world either too early or too late; at present, I am good for nothing.
Men like M. de Talleyrand are like sharp instruments with which it is dangerous to play.
In Europe democracy is a falsehood. I do not know where it will end, but it cannot end in a quiet old age.
The word 'freedom' means for me not a point of departure but a genuine point of arrival. The point of departure is defined by the word 'order.' Freedom cannot exist without the concept of order.