The absence of alternatives clears the mind marvelously.
—Henry Kissinger
Topics: Absence, Decisions
The superpowers often behave like two heavily armed blind men feeling their way around a room, each believing himself in mortal peril from the other, whom he assumes to have perfect vision.
—Henry Kissinger
Topics: Fear, Reality, War, Opportunities, Anxiety
The true conservative is not at home in social struggle. He will attempt to avoid unbridgeable schism, because he knows that a stable social structure thrives not on triumphs but on reconciliations.
—Henry Kissinger
We cannot always assure the future of our friends; we have a better chance of assuring our future if we remember who our friends are.
—Henry Kissinger
There can’t be a crisis next week. My schedule is already full.
—Henry Kissinger
Topics: Crises
The most fundamental problem of politics, which is not the control of wickedness but the limitation of righteousness.
—Henry Kissinger
The nice thing about being a celebrity is that, if you bore people, they think it’s their fault.
—Henry Kissinger
Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.
—Henry Kissinger
Topics: Power
If it’s going to come out eventually, better have it come out immediately.
—Henry Kissinger
Topics: Politicians, Politics
Blessed are the people whose leaders can look destiny in the eye without flinching but also without attempting to play God.
—Henry Kissinger
Topics: Leadership, Leaders
Ninety percent of the politicians give the other ten percent a bad reputation.
—Henry Kissinger
Topics: Reputation, Politicians, Politics
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R. James Woolsey, Jr. American Diplomat
Charles G. Dawes American Diplomat, Politician
Colin Powell American Military Leader
George Marshall American Military Leader
Carlos P. Romulo Philippine Diplomat
Jimmy Carter American Head of State
Romain Gary French Diplomat