The first Chancellor of the German Empire, later nicknamed the “Iron Chancellor,” knew Russia and the Russian people very well.
In this article we will give as an example the opinion and thoughts regarding Russia of one of the wisest German chancellors. And we will once again be convinced of how strong Russia is, unbroken and never conquered by anyone.
The history of Russia's relationship with the Iron Chancellor began with the support of his candidacy by Russian diplomacy, assisting him in matters of the unification of Germany. And she supported it because she saw in Germany a powerful counterbalance to Russia’s most important enemies - England and France, who defeated Russia in the Crimean War. That’s why they supported Bismarck in everything.
This was facilitated by Bismarck’s close friendly relations with the Russian Chancellor Gorchakov, who was not only a friend to Bismarck, but also a mentor. How correct the policy was is a separate question and has not yet been resolved.
Bismarck knew the Russian people well and lived in Russia for several years. And he held very definite views both on us and on our state.
He believed that under no circumstances should one quarrel with Russia, much less fight. In the difficult situation of the 19th century, he foresaw the possibility of Russia and Germany being drawn into war due to membership in different coalitions, but he always fought against such a possibility, being somehow confident that Germany would never, as such, become the object of aggression from outside Russia.
In one of his letters addressed to the Austrian envoy, Bismarck very precisely expresses his attitude towards the Russians, and warns that “it is better not to wake up the Russian bear.” Here is Bismarck's well-documented opinion:
“Even the most successful outcome of the war will never lead to the collapse of Russia, which rests on millions of Russian believers of the Greek faith. These latter, even if they are separated as a result of international treaties, will reconnect with each other as quickly as separated droplets of mercury find their way to each other.
This indestructible State of the Russian nation is strong due to its climate, its spaces and its unpretentiousness, as well as through the awareness of the need to constantly protect its borders.
This State, even after complete defeat, will remain our creation, an enemy seeking revenge, as we have in the case of today's France in the West. This would create a situation of constant tension for the future, which we would be forced to take upon ourselves if Russia decides to attack us or Austria. But I am not ready to take on this responsibility and be the initiator of creating such a situation ourselves.
We already have an unsuccessful example of the “destruction” of a nation by three strong opponents - the much weaker Poland. This destruction failed for a full 100 years. The vitality of the Russian nation will be no less.”
Other statements of Bismarck about Russia and Russians
A preventive war against Russia is suicide due to fear of death.
Russia is dangerous due to the meagerness of its needs.
The Russians cannot be defeated, we have been convinced of this for hundreds of years. But Russians can be instilled with false values and then they will defeat themselves.
Even the most favorable outcome of the war will never lead to the disintegration of the main strength of Russia, which is based on millions of Russians.
Don't expect that once you take advantage of Russia's weakness, you will receive dividends forever. Russians always come for their money. And when they come, do not rely on the Jesuit agreements you signed, which supposedly justify you. They are not worth the paper they are written on. Therefore, you should either play fairly with the Russians, or not play at all.
He, as always, has a prima donna smile on his lips and an ice compress on his heart (about the Chancellor of the Russian Empire Gorchakov).
Never fight with Russians. They will respond to your every military stratagem with unpredictable stupidity.
Make alliances with anyone, start any wars, but never touch the Russians.
The Russians take a long time to harness, but they travel quickly.
Russian love of Bismarck
Bismarck also had a Russian love, her name was Katerina Orlova-Trubetskaya. Princess Orlova, the only daughter of Prince Nikolai Trubetskoy (cousin of Leo Tolstoy) from the family of Russian-Lithuanian princes Gediminovich, was beautiful. They had a whirlwind romance in the resort of Biarritz. Only one week in her company was enough for Bismarck to become captivated by the charms of this young, attractive 22-year-old woman.
The story of their passionate love almost ended in tragedy. Katerina’s husband, Prince Orlov, was seriously wounded in the Crimean War and did not take part in his wife’s fun festivities and bathing. But Bismarck accepted. She and Katerina almost drowned. They were rescued by the lighthouse keeper. On this day, Bismarck would write to his wife: “After several hours of rest and writing letters to Paris and Berlin, I took a second sip of salt water, this time in the harbor when there were no waves. A lot of swimming and diving, dipping into the surf twice would be too much for one day.” This incident became a wake-up call for the future chancellor; he never cheated on his wife again. And time has run out - big politics has become a worthy alternative to adultery.
Russian "nothing"
Bismarck continued to use Russian throughout his political career. Russian words slip into his letters every now and then. Having already become the head of the Prussian government, he even sometimes made resolutions on official documents in Russian: “Impossible” or “Caution.” But the Russian “nothing” became the favorite word of the “Iron Chancellor”. He admired its nuance and polysemy and often used it in private correspondence, for example: “Alles nothing.”
One incident helped him penetrate into the secret of the Russian “nothing”.
Bismarck hired a coachman, but doubted that his horses could go fast enough. "Nothing!" - answered the driver and rushed along the uneven road so briskly that Bismarck became worried: “You won’t throw me out?” "Nothing!" - answered the coachman. The sleigh overturned, and Bismarck flew into the snow, bleeding his face. In a rage, he swung a steel cane at the driver, and he grabbed a handful of snow with his hands to wipe Bismarck’s bloody face, and kept saying: “Nothing... nothing!”
Subsequently, Bismarck ordered a ring from this cane with the inscription in Latin letters: “Nothing!” And he admitted that in difficult moments he felt relief, telling himself in Russian: “Nothing!” When the “Iron Chancellor” was reproached for being too soft towards Russia, he replied: “In Germany, I’m the only one who says “nothing!”, but in Russia it’s the whole people.”
Descendant of Rurikovich
Now it is not customary to remember this, but Otto von Bismarck was a descendant of the Rurikovichs. His distant relative was Anna Yaroslavovna. The call of Russian blood was fully manifested in Bismarck; he even had the opportunity to hunt a bear once. The “Iron Chancellor” knew and understood the Russians well. It is he who is credited with the famous phrase: “The war between Germany and Russia is the greatest stupidity. That’s why it will definitely happen.” And one more thing: “You shouldn’t wake up the Russian bear.”
Otto von Bismarck quotes, aphorisms, statements about Russia. Bismarck Otto von Schönhausen (1815-1898), German statesman, first Chancellor of the German Empire. He carried out the unification of Germany, later nicknamed the “Iron Chancellor”. Bismarck was ambassador to Russia and traveled extensively throughout it.
“Make alliances with anyone, start any wars, but never touch the Russians.”
“Never fight the Russians. They will respond to your every military stratagem with unpredictable stupidity.”
“A preventive war against Russia is suicide due to fear of death.”
"You shouldn't wake up the Russian bear." 
“The war between Germany and Russia is the greatest stupidity. That’s why it will definitely happen.”
“Don’t expect that once you take advantage of Russia’s weakness, you will receive dividends forever. Russians always come for their money. And when they come, do not rely on the Jesuit agreements you signed, which supposedly justify you. They are not worth the paper they are written on. Therefore, you should either play fairly with the Russians, or not play at all.” 
“Besides - as before, so now - it is not in our interests to prevent Russia from spending its surplus forces in the East; we should rejoice when, given our position and historical development, we meet powers in Europe with which we have no competing interests in the political field, and such powers to this day include Russia. With France we will never live in peace, with Russia we will never have to fight, unless liberal stupidity or dynastic blunders distort the situation.” 
“Even the most successful outcome of the war will never lead to the collapse of Russia, which rests on millions of Russian believers of the Greek faith.
These latter, even if they are subsequently corroded by international treaties, will reconnect with each other as quickly as separated droplets of mercury find their way to each other.
This is the indestructible State of the Russian nation, strong in its climate, its spaces and its unpretentiousness, as well as through the awareness of the need to constantly protect its borders. This State, even after complete defeat, will remain our creation, an enemy seeking revenge.”
This article contains statements, quotes, aphorisms about Russia, about Russians by Otto von Bismarck.
Always beware of building castles in the air, because although these buildings are the easiest to build, they are the most difficult to destroy.
Politics is the art of the possible.
Politics is not an exact science.
If you want to fool the world, tell it the truth.
I was destined by nature to become a diplomat: I was born on the first of April.
Even the most successful outcome of the war will never lead to the collapse of Russia, which rests on millions of Russian believers of the Greek faith. These latter, even if they are subsequently separated by international treaties, will reconnect with each other as quickly as separated droplets of mercury find their way to each other. This is the indestructible State of the Russian nation, strong in its climate, its spaces and its unpretentiousness, as well as through the awareness of the need to constantly protect its borders. This State, even after complete defeat, will remain our creation, an enemy seeking revenge, as we have in the case of today's France in the West.
Freedom is a luxury that not everyone can afford.
It happens to every person that he is lucky, and happiness flies very close to him. It is important to see him in time and be able to grab the hem of the clothes of fortune flying past him.
on other topics
The great questions of the time are decided not by speeches and resolutions of the majority, but by iron and blood!
Preventive war is suicide due to fear of death.
With a gentleman I will always be half a great gentleman, with a swindler I will always be half a great swindler.
All you have to do is put Germany in the saddle, and she will be able to gallop.
1. The revolution is prepared by geniuses, carried out by fanatics, and its fruits are enjoyed by scoundrels
2. Politics is the art of adapting to circumstances and extracting benefit from everything, even from what is disgusting
3. Politics is the art of the possible
4. Politics is not an exact science.
5. Freedom is a luxury that not everyone can afford
6. Always beware of building castles in the air, because although these buildings are the easiest to build, they are the hardest to destroy.
7. Study as if you were to live forever; live as if you are going to die tomorrow
8. They never lie so much as during the war, after the hunt and before the elections.
9. One and only one person must be responsible for every assigned task.
10. In diplomatic parlance, joining in principle is just a polite way of refusing.
11. We are all people, and so is the government.
12. Russians take a long time to harness, but travel quickly
13. Stupidity is a gift from God, but it should not be abused
14. All you have to do is put Germany in the saddle, and she will be able to gallop
15. The government should not hesitate. Once having chosen the road, it must, without looking right or left, go to the end
16. With bad laws and good officials it is quite possible to rule the country. But if officials are bad, even the best laws will not help
17. With a gentleman I will always be half a great gentleman, with a swindler I will always be half a great swindler
18. Friendship between a man and a woman becomes very weak when night falls.
19. Never plot anything against Russia, because she will respond to every cunning of yours with her unpredictable stupidity
20. Even a victorious war is an evil that must be prevented by the wisdom of nations
21. Woe to that statesman who does not take the trouble to find a basis for war that will still retain its significance even after the war
22. The only healthy basis for a great state is state egoism, and not romance, and it is unworthy of a great power to fight for a cause that does not concern its own interests
23. I was destined by nature to become a diplomat. The fact is that I was born on the first of April
24. Poles are poets in politics and politicians in poetry
25. Life has taught me to forgive a lot, but even more - to seek forgiveness
26. Absolutism requires from the ruler, first of all, impartiality, honesty, fidelity to duty, efficiency and modesty
27. War against Russia - suicide due to fear of death
28. We cannot make history. Setting your clock forward does not mean speeding up the passage of time.
29. Russia is dangerous due to the meagerness of its needs
30. The government should not hesitate. Once having chosen the road, it must, without looking right or left, go to the end
31. You need to show everyone as much kindness as, firstly, you can do yourself, and then as much as the one you love and whom you help can accept it.
32. Even the most favorable outcome of the war will never lead to the disintegration of the main strength of Russia, which is based on millions of Russians... These latter, even if they are dismembered by international treatises, are just as quickly reunited with each other, like particles of a cut piece of mercury...
33. The attitude of the state towards the teacher is a state policy that indicates either the strength of the state or its weakness
34. Compared to writing, horse racing is a solid, reliable business.
35. Nothing compares to the speed of mental activity
36. Herring could become a delicacy if it weren’t so common.
37. The great questions of the time are not decided by the decisions of the majority, but only by iron and blood!
38. Fools say they learn from their own experiences, I prefer to learn from the experiences of others.
39. When you want to fool the whole world, tell the truth
40. Politics is the art of adapting to circumstances and extracting benefit from everything, even from what is disgusting
41. A Prussian schoolteacher won the Battle of Sadovaya
42. You should either play fairly with Russians or not play at all.
This was a man who loved to drink, eat well, fight duels in his spare time, and make a couple of good fights. For some time, the “Iron Chancellor” served as Prussia’s ambassador to Russia.The first Chancellor of the German Empire, politician, Prince Otto von Bismarck is known not only for his state activities, but also for his apt statements, some of which have long become aphorisms.
Life has taught me to forgive a lot, but even more to seek forgiveness.
They never lie so much as during the war, after the hunt and before the elections.
Stupidity is a gift from God, but it should not be abused.
We are all people, and so is the government.
The strong are always right.
The Russians cannot be defeated,We have seen this for hundreds of years.
But Russians can be instilled with false values and then they will defeat themselves.
Otto von Bismarck. Drawing by Franz Kruger, 1826
The Russians take a long time to harness, but they travel quickly.
Make alliances with anyone, start any wars, but never touch the Russians.
Even a victorious war is an evil that must be prevented by the wisdom of nations.
Never trust Russians, because Russians don’t even trust themselves.
Even the most favorable outcome of the war will never lead to the collapse of Russia,which rests on millions of Russian believers of the Greek denomination.The Russians, even if they are dismembered by international treaties, will just as quickly unite with each other again,how separated droplets of mercury find this path to each other. This indestructible state of the Russian nation is strong for its climate, its spaces and its unpretentiousness, as well as its awareness of the need to constantly protect its borders.
Otto von Bismarck as Chancellor of Germany, 1871
We cannot make history, we can only wait for it to happen.
Politics is the art of the possible.
It's not the work that's exhausting, it's the responsibility.
When the arguments run out, the guns start talking. Strength is the last argument of a stupid person.
The power of Russia can only be undermined by the separation of Ukraine from it... it is necessary not only to tear off, but also to contrast Ukraine with Russia. To do this, you just need to find and cultivate traitors among the elite and, with their help, change the self-awareness of one part of the great people to such an extent that they will hate everything Russian, hate their family, without realizing it. Everything else is a matter of time.
“Iron Chancellor” Otto von Bismarck with his dogs Tiras II and Rebecca at the Friedrichsruh estate, July 6, 1891
When you want to fool the whole world, tell the truth.
The press is not yet public opinion.
Revolutions are prepared by geniuses, carried out by romantics, and their fruits are enjoyed by scoundrels.
All you have to do is put Germany in the saddle, and she will be able to gallop.
With bad laws and good officials it is quite possible to rule the country. But if the officials are bad, even the best laws will not help.
Never plot anything against Russia, because it will respond to every cunning of yours with its unpredictable stupidity.
Don't expect that once you take advantage of Russia's weakness, you will receive dividends forever. Russians always come for their money. And when they come, do not rely on the Jesuit agreements you signed, which supposedly justify you. They are not worth the paper they are written on. Therefore, you should either play fairly with the Russians, or not play at all.
Otto von Bismarck, 1886
Freedom is a luxury that not everyone can afford.
Friendship between a man and a woman weakens greatly when night falls.
With a gentleman I will always be half a great gentleman, with a swindler I will always be half a great swindler.
Study as if you were to live forever; live as if you were going to die tomorrow.
Beware of building castles in the air.
The only healthy basis for a great state is state egoism, not romance, and it is unworthy of a great power to fight for a cause that does not concern its own interests.
I was destined by nature to become a diplomat: I was born on the first of April.
Bismarck continued to use Russian throughout his political career. Russian words regularly slip into his letters. Having already become the head of the Prussian government, he even sometimes made resolutions on official documents in Russian: “Impossible” or “Caution.” But the Russian “nothing” became the favorite word of the “Iron Chancellor”. He admired its nuance and polysemy and often used it in private correspondence, for example: “Alles nothing.” One incident helped him penetrate into the secret of the Russian “nothing.” Bismarck hired a coachman, but doubted that his horses could go fast enough. "Nothing!" - answered the driver and rushed along the uneven road so briskly that Bismarck became worried: “You won’t throw me out?” "Nothing!" - answered the coachman. The sleigh overturned, and Bismarck flew into the snow, bleeding his face. In a rage, he swung a steel cane at the driver, and he grabbed a handful of snow with his hands to wipe Bismarck’s bloody face, and kept saying: “Nothing... nothing!” Subsequently, Bismarck ordered a ring from this cane with the inscription in Latin letters: “Nothing!” And he admitted that in difficult moments he felt relief, telling himself in Russian: “Nothing!”
I encountered another Russian peculiarity during my first stay in St. Petersburg in 1859. In the first spring days, the society belonging to the court walked along the Summer Garden, between the Pavlovsk Palace and the Neva. The Emperor noticed that there was a sentry standing in the middle of one of the lawns. When asked why he was standing there, the soldier could only answer that “it’s so ordered”; The emperor instructed his adjutant to inquire at the guardhouse, but even there they could not give any other answer, except that a sentry was assigned to this guard in winter and summer, and by whose original order it was impossible to establish. This topic became a hot topic at court, and conversations about it reached the servants. Among them was an old footman, already retired, who reported that his father, walking with him through the Summer Garden past the guard, said: “And the guard is still standing and guarding the flower. Empress Catherine once saw the first snowdrop in this place much earlier than usual and ordered to ensure that it was not picked.” Fulfilling the order, a sentry was posted here, and since then he has stood there year after year. Such facts cause us censure and ridicule, but they express the primitive power, stability and constancy on which the strength of what constitutes the essence of Russia as opposed to the rest of Europe is based. In this regard, one involuntarily recalls the sentries who were not removed in St. Petersburg during the flood of 1825 and on Shipka in 1877, and some drowned and others froze at their post.
In the first half of June 1859, I went to Moscow for a short time. While the Moscow governor, Prince Dolgoruky, was taking me around a library, I saw on the servant’s chest, among many military orders, the Iron Cross. To my question on what occasion he received it, the servant answered: “For the Battle of Kulm.” I congratulated the old soldier on the fact that he still looked so cheerful after 46 years, and heard in response that he would go now to war, if only the sovereign would allow it. I asked him who he would go with - Italy or Austria, to which he, standing at attention, enthusiastically declared: “Always against Austria.” I noticed that under Kulm, Austria was a friend of Prussia and Russia, and Italy was our enemy, to which he said loudly and clearly: “An honest enemy is better than an unfaithful friend.”