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. Following is our collection on famous quotes by Klemens Von Metternich on communism, education, war.
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
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. — Klemens Von Metternich
Ten million ignorances do not constitute one knowledge. — Klemens Von Metternich
Any plan conceived in moderation must fail when the circumstances are set in extremes. — Klemens Von Metternich
The obvious is always least understood. — Klemens Von Metternich
It is useless to close the gates against ideas; they overlap them. — Klemens Von Metternich
Stability is not immobility. — Klemens Von Metternich
Italy is only a geographical expression. — Klemens Von Metternich
The men who make history have not time to write it. — Klemens Von Metternich
The events which can not be prevented, must be directed. — Klemens Von Metternich
When France sneezes, all of Europe catches cold. — Klemens Von Metternich
When Paris sneezes, Europe catches cold. — Klemens Von Metternich
Error has never approached my spirit. — Klemens Von Metternich
I came into the world either too early or too late; at present, I am good for nothing. — Klemens Von Metternich
Men like M. de Talleyrand are like sharp instruments with which it is dangerous to play. — Klemens Von Metternich
In Europe democracy is a falsehood. I do not know where it will end, but it cannot end in a quiet old age. — Klemens Von Metternich
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. — Klemens Von Metternich
Life Lessons by Klemens Von Metternich
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.
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