Otto von Bismarck: 'Politics is the art of the next best.'

Politics is the art of the next best.

Politics is often perceived as a complex and intricate realm, where power struggles, ideological debates, and compromise take center stage. In the midst of this charged environment, Otto von Bismarck, a renowned statesman, offered a thought-provoking observation: "Politics is the art of the next best." This quote encapsulates the artful nature of politics, in which finding feasible and pragmatic solutions becomes paramount. Bismarck's words emphasize the practicality and adaptability required in political realms to navigate the ever-changing landscape and meet the needs of a diverse population.At first glance, "the art of the next best" implies that in politics, idealistic solutions may not always be attainable. Instead, politicians must often settle for the "next best" option, prioritizing functional compromise over ideological purity. This approach recognizes the complexities of governing a diverse society and the need to address the immediate concerns of the people. Bismarck's quote suggests that in the realm of politics, perfect outcomes are elusive, if not impossible, and thus politicians must navigate the landscape with shrewdness and astuteness, making pragmatic decisions guided by the greater good.Is it possible, however, to draw a parallel between Bismarck's quote and a more philosophical concept? Let's explore the idea of existentialism, which centers around the belief that individuals have the freedom to choose their own path and create their own meaning in an absurd and often chaotic world. Existentialists recognize the limitations of their existence and embrace the responsibility of making choices that align with their personal values and aspirations. In a sense, they too are engaged in the art of the next best.Existentialists, like politicians, face the challenge of navigating a world with conflicting interests and limited options. They recognize that perfect solutions are unrealistic and that instead of waiting for the ideal circumstances to manifest, they must make the best of the choices available to them. In this way, politics and existentialism intersect, with both realms acknowledging the need to act in the face of imperfection and uncertainty, seeking the next best option.However, while politics and existentialism share a common awareness of the limitations of perfection, they diverge in their focus. Unlike politics, where decision-making often involves the interests of many, existentialism places the responsibility and consequences of choice on the individual. The existentialist's art of the next best centers around personal fulfillment and the pursuit of an authentic life, unencumbered by external pressures or the need for consensus. Politics, on the other hand, encompasses the art of the next best as a means of balancing competing interests and maintaining social harmony.In conclusion, Otto von Bismarck's quote, "Politics is the art of the next best," encapsulates the pragmatic and adaptable nature of political decision-making. It acknowledges the inherent challenges of achieving perfection and highlights the need for compromise and practicality. By comparing and contrasting this quote with the parallel concept of existentialism, we see that both politics and existentialism recognize the limitations of perfection but diverge in their focus and implications. Whether in politics or personal lives, embracing the art of the next best allows for progress and adaptation in the face of complexity, ultimately leading to more resilient and fulfilling outcomes.