"Politics is not a theory, it's a craft."
The quote "Politics is not a theory, it's a craft" by Helmut Schmidt emphasizes that politics should be seen as a practical skill rather than an abstract concept or academic study. He implies that success in politics requires more than theoretical knowledge; it demands the application of that knowledge to real-world situations, with the ultimate goal of solving problems and serving the public. In essence, this statement underscores the importance of pragmatism, experience, and a focus on results in political decision-making.
"There is no such thing as absolute security; there is only relative safety."
This quote emphasizes that the concept of 'absolute security' or complete protection does not exist in reality, only a state of 'relative safety'. It suggests that while one can take measures to reduce risks and increase security, perfect security is unattainable. The focus should therefore be on implementing strategies that provide the most safety possible given the circumstances, understanding that there will always be some degree of risk or uncertainty.
"Money does not govern the world, but those who have it do."
The quote suggests that wealth, or money, doesn't inherently control or guide the world, but rather it is the individuals who possess it who yield power and influence over global affairs and decisions. It implies that financial resources can provide opportunities, access, and the ability to shape events, thereby giving those with wealth a significant impact on the world.
"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding."
This quote emphasizes that true peace is not maintained through military might or coercion, but rather through understanding and empathy between people and nations. It suggests that for lasting peace to exist, dialogue, compromise, and mutual respect are essential to resolving conflicts and fostering harmony among diverse groups. In other words, the key to achieving peace lies in developing a deeper understanding of one another's perspectives and needs rather than relying solely on power or force.
"A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul."
This quote by Helmut Schmidt suggests that a government that redistributes wealth from one group (Peter) to another (Paul), will likely receive the backing or support of the recipients (Paul). It is a critique of policies that rely on taking resources from some sectors or individuals in order to benefit others, highlighting the political incentives behind such actions.
Democracy is not the end point of mankind. There may be developments in many different directions in the coming centuries. Democracy has only existed for about 200 years. It started out with the American Declaration of Independence. The Americans got their ideas from the Europeans, in the main from the French, the Dutch and the British.
- Helmut Schmidt
The critical thing about Western democracy is the fact that you usually have a transition of power without bloodshed. That is an enormous advantage. But still, democracy as we know it was only invented recently in the West, historical speaking. It did not really work in ancient Rome. It functioned for less than 200 years in ancient Athens.
- Helmut Schmidt
In a mass television democracy - which all of us nowadays have - it is impossible to take basic political decisions with long-term consequences without the public knowing it, without the public understanding at least some of it, without the public forming its judgment, heterogeneous as it may be.
- Helmut Schmidt
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