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It is not a matter of what is true that counts, but a matter of what is perceived to be true.

Henry Kissinger

When statesmen want to gain time, they offer to talk.
HENRY KISSINGER

Man Talk Time
Self-governed nations do not fill their neighbor states with spies.
HENRY KISSINGER

Nation Rule Trust
Power without legitimacy tempts tests of strength; legitimacy without power tempts empty posturing.
HENRY KISSINGER

Empty Power Strength
Yet freedom cannot be secured or sustained without a framework of order to keep the peace.
HENRY KISSINGER

Freedom Peace Rule Secure
It is not a matter of what is true that counts, but a matter of what is perceived to be true.
HENRY KISSINGER

Deep Philosophy True
The reason that university politics is so vicious is because stakes are so small
HENRY KISSINGER

Politics Reason
Empires have no interest in operating within an international system; they aspire to be the international system.
HENRY KISSINGER

Goal Nation Reality
For the balance of power is never static; its components are in constant flux.
HENRY KISSINGER

Philosophy Power Science
If history teaches anything it is that there can be no peace without equilibrium and no justice without restraint.
HENRY KISSINGER

History Justice Peace Teaching
in international affairs a reputation for reliability is a more important asset than demonstrations of tactical cleverness.
HENRY KISSINGER

Choice Important Reputation Worth
It’s a pity both sides can’t lose (commenting on Iran-Iraq war, 1980 – 1988)
HENRY KISSINGER

Lose War
Since Peter the Great, Russia had been expanding at the rate of one Belgium per year.
HENRY KISSINGER

Greatness Growth War
Later I learned to improve my forecasting—if necessary by asking the visitor in advance what subjects he intended to raise with Nixon.
HENRY KISSINGER

Learning Myself Necessary
If you don’t know where you are going, every road will get you nowhere.
HENRY KISSINGER

Path Road Success Yourself
Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.
HENRY KISSINGER

One Liner Power
Behind the slogans lay an intellectual vacuum.
HENRY KISSINGER

Intellectual Politics

It is not a matter of what is true that counts, but a matter of what is perceived to be true.

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It is not a matter of what is true that counts, but a matter of what is perceived to be true.

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