1.
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
In Europe, democracy is a sham. I am unsure of its ultimate outcome, but it will not culminate in a peaceful retirement.
2.
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
This phrase could be rephrased as: 'Freedom to me denotes the ultimate destination, while order provides the platform of origin. Without a sense of order, liberty is impossible.'
3.
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
4.
The events which can not be prevented, must be directed.
Klemens von Metternich
'Unavoidable circumstances must be guided.'
5.
When Paris sneezes, Europe catches a cold.
Klemens von Metternich
When Paris catches a chill, Europe shivers.
6.
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
7.
Ten million ignorances do not constitute one knowledge.
Klemens von Metternich
8.
I came into the world either too early or too late; at present, I am good for nothing.
Klemens von Metternich
9.
Any plan conceived in moderation must fail when the circumstances are set in extremes.
Klemens von Metternich
10.
The obvious is always least understood.
Klemens von Metternich
11.
It is useless to close the gates against ideas; they overlap them.
Klemens von Metternich
12.
The men who make history have not time to write it.
Klemens von Metternich
13.
Stability is not immobility.
Klemens von Metternich
14.
Men like M. de Talleyrand are like sharp instruments with which it is dangerous to play.
Klemens von Metternich
15.
Error has never approached my spirit.
Klemens von Metternich
16.
Italy is only a geographical expression.
Klemens von Metternich
17.
When France sneezes, all of Europe catches cold.
Klemens von Metternich
18.
Italy is a geographical expression.
Klemens von Metternich
