Otto von Bismarck: 'When you say you agree to a thing in principle you mean that you have not the slightest intention of carrying it out in practice.'

When you say you agree to a thing in principle you mean that you have not the slightest intention of carrying it out in practice.

In his quote, Otto von Bismarck slyly captures the disingenuous nature of agreeing to something in principle while having no intention of actually following through. At first glance, this quote may seem cynical or even manipulative, suggesting that individuals often make false promises or hide their true intentions behind a facade of agreement. However, when viewed through the lens of an unexpected philosophical concept, such as existentialism, contrasting interpretations emerge, revealing a deeper layer of meaning.On a straightforward level, Bismarck's quote speaks to the prevalent tendency for individuals to profess support for an idea or concept without genuinely intending to implement it. It highlights the deceptive nature of agreement in principle, exposing the disconnect between words and actions. This disconnection can be seen in various realms of life – from politics and business to personal relationships – where individuals may pay lip service to an idea without taking the necessary steps to bring it to fruition. Bismarck's observation serves as a cautionary reminder to be wary of empty promises and to assess people's commitment based on their actions rather than their words.However, delving into an unexpected philosophical concept brings a fresh perspective to the quote. Let us explore existentialism, a philosophical school of thought that emphasizes individual freedom, responsibility, and the creation of one's own meaning in life. Existentialists argue that individuals have complete agency over their existence and are solely responsible for their choices and actions. From this perspective, Bismarck's quote takes on a different significance.Existentialism prompts us to question whether it is always disingenuousness or simply a genuine shift in perspective and circumstance that leads to this discrepancy between agreement in principle and action. According to existentialist thought, individuals may find themselves in situations where external factors, personal growth, or reevaluations of what truly matters in life result in a shift in priorities or actions. In this context, Bismarck's quote could be seen as acknowledging the complexity of human existence and the potential for change in one's beliefs and subsequent actions.By juxtaposing Bismarck's quote with existentialism, we are considered to grapple with the tension between the disingenuousness of merely agreeing in principle and the genuine changes that occur within individuals that might lead them away from initial intentions. When viewed through an existentialist lens, the quote reminds us that humans are ever-evolving beings, constantly re-evaluating their beliefs, priorities, and values. It serves as a reminder that circumstances and personal growth can lead to shifts in perspectives and actions, even if they contradict previous declarations of intention.Bringing together Bismarck's quote and existentialism allows us to reflect on the complexities of human nature and the inherent contradictions that arise within us. It encourages us to move beyond simple judgments of sincerity or insincerity and to embrace the fluidity and growth that shape our lives. Bismarck's quote, therefore, not only warns against empty promises but also compels us to embrace the ever-changing nature of our existence and to judge others with empathy and a willingness to understand the underlying reasons for their actions.In summary, Otto von Bismarck's quote exposes the discrepancy between agreeing to something in principle and carrying it out in practice. We are cautioned against putting blind trust in words alone, as actions and commitments speak louder than superficial agreements. Nevertheless, an unexpected philosophical concept, such as existentialism, adds depth to the interpretation of the quote. It reminds us to navigate the complexities of human nature, acknowledging that shifts in perspective and personal growth can lead individuals away from their initial intentions. Ultimately, this juxtaposition emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathy when evaluating the sincerity behind someone's claims of agreement in principle.