An attitudinal sea change. I think that's the hardest one…
“An attitudinal sea change. I think that's the hardest one to fix. Presidential directives, bills, provisions can all be rescinded, repealed, amended, but attitudes linger. The hardest thing is going to be to try to reverse an attitude, a bunker mentality that equates secrecy with either security or heightened efficiency and that regards transparency as an invitation to mischief and trespass. This default position of operating in the shadows is going to be somewhat appealing to whomever inherits office.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Changing laws is easier than shifting deep‑seated attitudes that favor secrecy over transparency.
In simple terms: Attitudes resist change more than policies.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate openness to alter mindsets.
Themes
government
transparency
culture
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
journalistic
analytical
When to use this quote
- legislative reform
- organizational training
- public education
- media reporting
Key Concepts
psychology
institutional inertia
Questions to Reflect On
- What incentives can promote transparency?
- How do we address fear of exposure?
A Different Perspective
People may cling to secrecy for perceived safety.