I have no doubt that the nation has suffered more from undue secrecy than from undue disclosure. The government takes good care of itself.
Daniel SchorrRead
Power corrupts, and there is nothing more corrupting than power exercised in secret.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Power has a tendency to corrupt those who possess it, especially when it is wielded in secrecy.
This quote emphasizes the inherent dangers of power, suggesting that it can lead to moral decay and unethical behavior, particularly when actions are taken without transparency. The secrecy associated with power enhances its corrupting influence, as it allows individuals to act without accountability, which can ultimately lead to the erosion of ethical standards and trust.
Themes
PowerCorruptionSecrecyEthicsMorality
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, one might quote this to highlight the dangers of unchecked political power.
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