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Alfred von Waldersee

62 quotes

“Bismarck is the king's last mistress because only such a creature could have such power over an old man.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1887 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee c. 1887
“A good many men will be killed, however, as long as no man can prove to me that a man can die more than once, I am not inclined to regard death for the individual as a misfortune.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1866 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in November, 1877, as quoted by Gordon Alexander Craig, "Germany, 1866-1945" (Oxford University Press, 1978) p.133
“Either we are tremendously clever or the French strategists dreadful bunglers.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1870 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary on the eve of the Battle of Sedan, 30 August 1870
“A war is essentially the most dreadful and ruthless thing imaginable, therefore one's object should be so to conduct it as to bring it to an end at the earliest possible moment, and to this end one should give the enemy a distaste for it as quickly as one can; and it is more humane if I do this by burning down houses than by shooting down quite innocent soldiers.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1870 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 4 October 1870
“I know ... only one peril, that of Socialism, and I hope that all the Christian Churches would find a common aim in fighting against it.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1903 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, c. 1903
“If at home there are people so innocent as to imagine that it is here a case of propaganda for Christian civilization and Christian ways, they would be disillusionized. Since the Thirty Years' War and the plundering campaigns of the French in the age of Louis XIV there has been nothing like it.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1900 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 12 November 1900, in Beijing
“I hear I am being attacked both in Prussian and American papers for being too hard on the Chinese and thus delaying the conclusion of peace. This is the outcome of ill-will and ignorance of the conditions ... One can advance things here only by taking as strong and as relentless measures as possible.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1900 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 17 December 1900, in Beijing
“Unfortunately I must state the fact that the rank and file will not return better men than they were when they started. They have seen too much of ruthlessness, brutality, robbery, executions etc., and have come into contact with altogether too many bad characters in the foreign contingents.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1901 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 20 March 1901, in Beijing
“I see a future for us only in a Great War in which we lastingly cripple an opponent, France or Russia. Unless there should be a great war, the only way out of our dilemma will be through internal commotion, preferably revolutions in France or Russia.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1885 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 15 October 1885, quoted in Scott A. Silverstone, From Hitler's Germany to Saddam's Iraq
“We have far too many enemies, the French, the Slavs, above all the Catholics, and then the entire little rabble of the dispossessed, with their supporters”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1885 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary c. 1885, quoted in John C. G. Röhl, The Kaiser and his court : Wilhelm II and the government of Germany
“Everywhere the masses are on the move, everywhere there is rebellion against authority, the negation of all religion, the generation of hatred and envy against those with wealth. We are probably facing major catastrophes.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1886 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary c. 1886, quoted in John C. G. Röhl, The Kaiser and his court : Wilhelm II and the government of Germany
“The ghost of socialism is beginning to show a very earnest face ... the Zentrum is a gang of hypocritical blackguards without a Fatherland, intent on the collapse of Germany and the destruction of Prussia.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1886 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary c. 1886, quoted in John C. G. Röhl, The Kaiser and his court : Wilhelm II and the government of Germany
“Germany is the foundation for the mainstay for the whole of Europe, but if we become weak, the entire old world will fall apart.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1886 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary c. 1886, quoted in John C. G. Röhl, The Kaiser and his court : Wilhelm II and the government of Germany
“Democrat" is among officers simply a term denoting a bad lot.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1657 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, quoted in Walter Görlitz, History of the German General Staff, 1657-1945
“How I despise the liberal gang that has captured the Chamber! They are prisoners of their own verbose unrealism, and are setting the country back further from year to year.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1657 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, quoted in Walter Görlitz, History of the German General Staff, 1657-1945
“Prince William is very keen on the idea of war and regrets that things seem now to look more pacific. He was pleased when I expressed to him my opinion that the enlargement of our army will soon set the stone rolling.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1887 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 15 February 1887
“People are telling me that I am regarded by the Chancellor (and indeed in wider circles) as the leader of the so-called War Party, and by no means favorably, as the Chancellor is most anxious to avoid war. I shall soon begin myself to believe that I am a thoroughly bad man! What will be brought up against me next?”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1887 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 15 May 1887
“In the cavalry sons of industrialists who have got rich quickly are pushing their way in and are ruining its simple customs.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) said by 1904 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Prince Wilhelm seems to have a good deal of his grandfather about him. If his parents have aimed at training him to be a constitutional monarch ready to bow to the rule of a parliamentary majority they have failed.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1883 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 6 December 1883, quoted in Walter R. Pierce, Herr und Heer: The German Social Democrats and the Officer Corps, A Reappraisal
“Prince Wilhelm justifies our very best hopes for the future. He will grow into the right man to maintaain Germany's power–perhaps to increase it.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1884 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 28 May 1884
“Prince Wilhelm has taken up an attitude strongly against England, a quite natural reaction for the most part against the efforts of his mother to make Anglomaniacs of her children.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1884 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 26 December 1884
“The Kaiser ... is not the right man to lead the Fatherland out of the many perils which threaten it.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1890 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 25 September 1890
“The Social Democrats ... perhaps their view of the Kaiser is the truest.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1890 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 24 September 1890
“[Liberals are] on the one hand, insolent beyond measure, but creeping along on their bellies in front of the Kaiser!”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1891 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 19 January 1891
“He wants to be his own Chief of Staff. God help our country!”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1657 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee referring to the Kaiser in his diary, after being dismissed from the position of Chief of the General Staff, quoted in Walter Görlitz, History of the German General Staff, 1657-1945
“The Kaiser can be very friendly in his manner but he is utterly lacking in genuine goodwill. For this reason he will win no lasting affection.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1891 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 6 February 1891, after being dismissed from the position of Chief of the General Staff
“[Adolphe Thiers's] wife and her sister [are] a couple of unattractive ladies, not at all pleasing representatives of the fair sex. I have on several occations seen Madame sleeping–in fact have heard her sleeping, for she snored loudly–at their soirées.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1871 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 24 August 1871
“I say we have the duty to take advantage of every favorable opportunity that presents itself and bring about a war with France. Militarily speaking, we are definitely at anadvantage thanks to the new repeating rifle, and in other ways too. But if we do not make use of such opportunities, then politics has to provide us with better ones, although I see no prospect of this.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1886 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 1 November 1886
“All the Progressive people with their supporters, the entire Judenschaft and most foreign countries, that is to say, taken together are formidable foes ... In view of the colossal influence which the Jews wiled by virtue of their wealth, through which they have secured the services of Christians in influential positions, even though they themselves are few in number, they are by far the most dangerous of our enemies.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1887 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From a 1887 letter to Prince Wilhelm (the future Kaiser)
“Too many people are under the influence of the Jews.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1888 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary c. 1888, quoted in John C. G. Röhl, The Kaiser and his court : Wilhelm II and the government of Germany
“[The Jews] are mostly fellows with no homeland, who have no interest in anything but making money, and who – wonder of wonders – mostly support the Progressives, and often even vote for Socialists at elections.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1889 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 5 March 1890, quoted in John C. G. Röhl, The Kaiser's Personal Monarchy, 1889-1900
“Never before has a ruler been so beloved by his own people, so highly esteemed by the whole world.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1888 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 16 March 1888, on the recently deceased Kaiser Wilhelm I
“[Bismarck] cannot leave because he is afraid of his successor and of the anger which will be unleashed in many whom he has oppressed, lied to and deceived ... he has a very bad character; he has not hesitated to disclaim his friends and those who have helped him most; lying has become a habit with him; he has made use of his official position to enrich himself on a colossal scale and has had his sons promoted with unbelievable ruthlessness although no one thinks them competent!”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1890 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 5 March 1890
“I said to the Kaiser: "In spite of all this the Chancellor will not send in his resignation; he clings too firmly to office, hoping that if he can remain on he will again get the upper hand. In view of the whole intolerable situation, it would be best to force the Chancellor to resign–and as soon as possible–if he did not do so of his own accord.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1890 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 15 March 1890, five days before Bismarck's resignation.
“What he is most lacking in are fixed aims and the faculty of persisting in the line he has taken up.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1892 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee on his diary, 16 March 1892, describing Kaiser Wilhelm II
“How rare it is for a woman to support her husband aright in his position in the world, and for husband and wife to work together in complete harmony! During these last seven years Marie has won esteem and affection from high and low alike by her friendly bearing, her sincerity of character and her beneficence; spiritually she has exercised a stronger influence than have the clergy over many ladies and women.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1898 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 16 May 1898, referring to his wife Mary
“There can be no doubt as to the measureless shamelessness of the English in combating our really modest colonial efforts.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1890 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 25 July 1890
“If China revives again we could not wage war with her by ourselves.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1900 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary c. 1900
“The amount of damage done to the country down to date by ravage and plunder will never be calculable, but it must be immense. It is only to be regretted that those who are most responsible for the war will be the ones least affected by it. Unfortunately, the looting has not failed to be attended by other excesses: outrages on women, barbarities of all descriptions, murder, wanton acts of incendiarism, etc.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1900 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in one of his dispatches to the Kaiser from China, c. 1900
“[The Americans] have been involved in looting affrays in the streets of Tien-tsin. When they are not with their regiments they must be regarded by the inhabitants as a scourge.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1900 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in one of his dispatches to the Kaiser from China, c. 1900
“We and the English are and must remain natural opponents. The world out to be big enough for both of us, but English covetousness oversteps all possible limits.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1900 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary c. 1900
“Your Majesty may entertain the idea of partitioning China, but let it not be forgotten that ... it is still full of inexhaustible vitality. China has not completely lost its martial spirit, as may now be seen in the 'Boxer Movement'. Neither Japan nor any country in Europe or America is intellectually or militarily equipped to rule one quarter of mankind. Therefore it is actually an ill-advised policy to try dismemberment.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1901 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee to Kaiser Wilhelm II c. 1901, warning him againsgt partitioning China.
“It would doubtless be best for us to remain permanently on a good footing with England, even, if practicable, to be in alliance with her, but that is quite out of the question so long as this Power only wants to exploit us and in addition has the effrontery to make difficulties for us in our colonial policy everywhere. The astoundingly mean and shameless attacks made against the Kaiser by the English press will, one hopes, never be forgotten.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1896 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 12 January 1896
“It is really a good thing that the English should be unmasked at last and that the world should see what miserable hypocrites they are.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1902 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 15 February 1902
“He is a very weak man, without firm opinions and most unclear in his goals. Unfortunately he is biased in extreme liberal ideas and does not want to accept that in these times a sovereign with such principles quickly digs his own grave. What an upheaval would arise in such a circumstance.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1883 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee's impression of Crown Prince Frederick (the future Kaiser Frederick III) from his diary entry of 25 November 1883
“He has an open head, a fresh mind, a great lust and energy to work, and a strongly developed Prussian feeling. Perhaps he is not excessively of much heart, but I believe that this is excellent for him and his future. In his outward behavior he is friendly and pleasant.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1885 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee's impression of Prince Wilhelm (the future Kaiser Wilhelm II) from his diary entry of 18 January 1885
“To say I desire war is absurd. I only wish one thing: that our enemies renounce completely the idea of attacking us. I know too well what war is and am convinced that it is my duty as an honest man to wish that it be used only as a last resort, as much in the interests of my Fatherland as in the interests of the entire world.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1888 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee, quoted in the Le Petit Parisien newspaper, c. 1888
“When the chancellor imagines I have the inclination to become his successor, he is mistaken tremendously. Right now, I wish that he continue holding his office and that he sees for himself how poorly he has operated recently. I consider anyone who wants to accept the succession to be very bold. When one or another successor has broken his neck, perhaps there is room for discussion.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1889 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary, 9 February 1889
“I am not a politician. Once and for all, I beg you not to believe the absurdities which malicious people seem to be publishing about me. I am contented with my military calling and have no higher ambition than to do credit to the post with which my sovereign has entrusted me.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1892 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in an interview to The New York Herald, 24 July 1892
“It is wonderful that certain people and circles still believe I have the aspiration to become Chancellor and receive nightmares from this thought. How often I have declared that I would have to be a fool if I wanted to strive for this really unenviable position! I have already achieved some time ago everything a soldier can achieve, I hold a post that involves little work and no agitation or anger, and I know the position of a Chancellor under Kaiser Wilhelm II only too well that I would have to be mad to desire it.”
Alfred von Waldersee (1832–1904) first seen 1901 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Waldersee in his diary c. December 1901