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Secrecy Quotes

Thoughtful lines on privacy, trust, and things left unsaid.

These secrecy quotes explore how withholding information differs from deceiving someone, and why privacy can protect rather than betray. For more on trust and hidden feelings, see Emotion quotes.

While all deception requires secrecy, all secrecy is not meant to deceive.

Quotes by Sissela Bok

Secrecy is the enemy of efficiency, but don't let anyone know it.

Quotes by Ric Ocasek

We don't need secrecy.

Quotes by Jimmy Wales

Secrecy is the chastity of friendship.

Quotes by Jeremy Taylor

Emotion Quotes

Secrecy is one of the shadier sides of private and public life.

Quotes by Ian Hacking

Life within the Kremlin was shrouded in impenetrable secrecy.

Quotes by Harrison Salisbury

The higher the classification of secrecy, the quicker you will report it.

Quotes by George P. Shultz

Every relationship between two individuals or two groups will be characterized by the ratio of secrecy that is involved in it.

Quotes by Georg Simmel

Secrecy, once accepted, becomes an addiction.

Quotes by Edward Teller

Identity Quotes

The backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy.

Quotes by Carl von Clausewitz

Secrecy is the first essential in affairs of state.

Quotes by Cardinal Richelieu

Secrecy is the first essential in affairs of the State.

Quotes by Cardinal Richelieu

Secrecy is the foundation of politics.

Quotes by Bing Gordon

Secrecy is the freedom tyrants dream of.

Quotes by Bill Moyers

Mystery Quotes

'Orphan Black' tends to, for their auditions, shroud it in secrecy and change names.

Quotes by Ari Millen

Frequently Asked Questions

Is secrecy always about hiding something bad?
No - one quote makes clear that not all secrecy is meant to deceive; keeping something private isn't automatically dishonest.
Why do some people say relationships need secrecy?
One line compares secrecy to the "chastity of friendship," suggesting some things are kept private out of respect, not distrust.
Can secrecy actually help a team work better?
The quotes here suggest the opposite - one calls secrecy "the enemy of efficiency," even while joking that no one should admit it.
Is wanting less secrecy a common theme?
Yes, one short quote simply states that we don't need secrecy, pushing back against the idea that privacy is always necessary.
What other topics pair well with secrecy quotes?
If you're drawn to the private, hidden side of relationships, our Mystery quotes cover similar ground.

Some lines frame secrecy as essential to close bonds, others warn it can quietly erode honesty. Browse Mystery and Protection quotes for related reading.