Quotes

The world needs Switzerland.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter looking back on his year as Swiss President and Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE

There are more things in Heaven and Earth ... Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.

William Shakespeare (1564 to 1616), English poet and playwright

We are bridge-builders not demolition experts.

Christoph Darbellay, President of the CVP, on the role of his party

One is not realistic in having no ideas.

Max Frisch, Swiss writer (1911 to 1991)

I regard patriotism as dangerous. I see patriotism, forgive me, as a crime.

Peter Bichsel, Swiss author

Take good care of the international agreements to which our nation is committed and that are of ­fundamental importance to Switzerland and our treaty partners.

Markus Büchel, President of the Swiss Bishops’ Conference, in his letter to the Swiss members of parliament at the turn of the year

Remaining on the sidelines is shirking one’s ­responsibility. Christians are responsible for their actions but also for what they do not do.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German foreign minister

What can be said at all, can be said clearly.

Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889 to 1951), Austro-British philosopher

To a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

Mark Twain, US author (1835 to 1910)