Fools learn from experience, wise men learn from history [Iron Chancellor Bismarck #QuoteNote76]

The quote I would like to introduce this time is as follows!

This saying explains the importance of learning not only from one's own experiences but also from the experiences of others, especially from history.

Speaker

Bismarck (Otto von Bismarck-Schönhausen) was a leading politician in Germany during the latter half of the 19th century. Known by the nickname "Iron Chancellor," he is remembered in history for the following points. He is remembered as a great figure who laid the foundation for modern Germany through his outstanding political skills and strong personality.

Main Achievements and Characteristics

Achievement of German Unification

As Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Prussia, he promoted the "Blood and Iron policy." As symbolized by his words, "The great questions of the day will not be settled by speeches and majority decisions, but by iron and blood," this refers to a hardline foreign policy backed by military power.

By winning the Austro-Prussian War (war between Prussia and Austria) and the Franco-Prussian War (war between Prussia and France), he united the German states and established the German Empire in 1871. He became its first Chancellor.

Construction of the Bismarck System

After German unification, he developed a clever alliance diplomacy to isolate France. By forming the "League of the Three Emperors" and the "Triple Alliance" with Russia and Austria, he led the international order in Europe in the latter half of the 19th century, which was called the "Bismarck System."

Promotion of Social Policy

Domestically, while strictly cracking down on the socialist movement, he implemented progressive social policies, such as creating the world's first compulsory social insurance system (sickness insurance, accident insurance, old-age and disability insurance, etc.). This is also referred to as "carrot and stick."

Personality and Character

Realist and Opportunist

He was a realistic politician who flexibly changed his policies according to the situation. However, this was not mere lack of principle, but based on firm conviction.

Hardline and bold, yet cautious and flexible

He had a hardline side that did not hesitate to use military force, but at the same time, he possessed very cautious and flexible diplomatic skills.

Complex inner self

While described as having a body like an ox, it is said he also had a delicate side, suffering from hypochondria. He possessed contradictory aspects, such as being a tearful drunk while also being a violent ruler, and being a devout Protestant while simultaneously promoting secularization.

Intellectual and highly cultured

He studied law at the University of Göttingen and the University of Berlin, and was proficient in English, Latin, and French. He loved reading Shakespeare and Schiller and was also a master of prose.

A gentle father at home

In his private life, it is said he was a gentle father who loved his wife and cared for his children.

Fools learn from experience, wise men learn from history

The phrase "Fools learn from experience, wise men learn from history" inevitably gives the impression of advice regarding national policy or political judgment. I believe this is due to its heavy phrasing and the background of the person who left the quote, being a chancellor whose name remains in history.

However, the lesson "Fools learn from experience, wise men learn from history" can also be very useful in the lives of ordinary citizens.

Here are a few examples.

Example: When considering a job change

• Fool: Vaguely thinks, "I failed because of interpersonal relationships at my previous company, so I'll go to a company where the relationships seem better next time."

• Wise person: Asks, "Why did the relationships deteriorate at the previous company? Was there a problem with my own communication style? How did that senior colleague build relationships? What was the reason for that friend's success in changing jobs?" They gather information not only from their own past experiences but also from the stories of successful friends and acquaintances, as well as success and failure cases of job changes, to create a concrete plan.

Example: When learning a new skill

• Fool: Starts haphazardly, saying "I'll just start programming," and ends up giving up.

• Wise person: Considers things like, "What are the study methods of people who succeeded in language learning in the past? What are the common points where people fail in obtaining certifications? Why was that person able to achieve their goal?" They refer to success and failure cases to think about a study plan and motivation maintenance method that suits them.

Example: When deciding on a child's educational policy

• Fool: Is bound by the values of the previous generation, saying "I just want to get them into a good university and have them get a stable job."

• Wise person: Learns from a wide range of information, such as "What can be learned from the history of past educational reforms? What can be applied to Japan from overseas educational cases? What lessons can be learned from cases of children who stopped attending school? What skills are truly necessary when looking toward the future?" and explores an educational policy that can adapt to the child's individuality and changes in society.

Your worries have already been experienced by someone in the past

It is easy to forget when living in the overwhelming subjectivity of one's own life, but the history woven by humanity is long, and there are very many cases where "your worries have already been experienced by someone in the past".

Of course, since there is only one 'me who is not getting along with Person A at work' in the world, in that sense, it is an experience unique to you. However, when I say 'someone has already experienced this in the past,' I am not talking about such specific details, but rather taking a more abstract perspective.

Most of the worries people face are actually rooted in 'human relationships.' Even if you are worried because a machine is broken, why does a broken machine cause worry? It leads to: we can't make products, we can't deliver products to customers, and we might lose the customer's trust. If you dig a little deeper, the problem is not the machine failure itself, but the friction in human relationships that the situation creates.

By broadening the interpretation of 'worry' in this way, I believe you will be able to accept the idea that 'your worries have already been experienced by someone in the past.'

Many of the worries that someone has experienced in the past have been compiled into 'books.' In recent years, information is also being archived in the form of videos using platforms like YouTube.

In other words, 'wise men' and 'fools' can be defined as follows:

• Fools: People who can only think about the present moment or the immediate future

• Wise men: People who can take a long-term view of the past and future and apply it to the present

In this way, I realize that the phrase 'Fools learn from experience, wise men learn from history' has the effect of helping people who are struggling to regain their composure and broaden their perspective.

It is a phrase to remember especially when you hit a problem that seems impossible to solve.

📢 Announcement

Thank you for reading to the end. 'Likes' and 'Follows' are very welcome! They encourage my activities on Note!

Click here for my self-introduction and main topics! ▼

Click here for the list of quote notes! ▼

I also dream of publishing a book someday! ▼