Jaw-jaw is better than war-war.
—Harold Macmillan (1894–1986) British Head of State
The lesson of all history warns us that we should negotiate only when our military superiority is so convincing that we can achieve our objective at the conference table, and deny the aggressor theirs.
—Richard Nixon (1913–94) American Head of State, Lawyer
The go-between wears out a thousand sandals.
—Japanese Proverb
A grievance is most poignant when almost redressed.
—Eric Hoffer (1902–83) American Philosopher, Author
Grant graciously what you cannot refuse safely and conciliate those you cannot conquer.
—Charles Caleb Colton (c.1780–1832) English Clergyman, Aphorist
The one sure way to conciliate a tiger is to allow oneself to be devoured.
—Konrad Adenauer (1876–1967) German Statesman
You must be fully prepared to lose a great deal in order to make a great deal.
—Common Proverb
Buying is cheaper than asking.
—German Proverb
A miser and a liar bargain quickly.
—Greek Proverb
Only free men can negotiate. Prisoners cannot enter into contracts.
—Nelson Mandela (1918–2013) South African Political leader
My father said: “You must never try to make all the money that’s in a deal. Let the other fellow make some money too, because if you have a reputation for always making all the money, you won’t have many deals.”
—J. Paul Getty (1892–1976) American Art Collector, Philanthropist, Businessperson
We were not born to sue, but to command.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
When a man says that he approves something in principle, it means he hasn’t the slightest intention of putting it in practice.
—Otto von Bismarck (1815–98) German Chancellor, Prime Minister
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