Who has a book of all that monarchs do, He's more secure…
“Who has a book of all that monarchs do, He's more secure to keep it shut than shown; For vice repeated is like the wand'ring wind, Blows dust in others' eye, to spread itself; And yet the end of all is bought thus dear, The breath is gone, and the sore eyes see clear To stop the air would hurt them.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Keeping power secret feels safer than displaying it; repeated misuse spreads chaos, and ultimately the loss of power brings clarity but also harm.
In simple terms: Power hidden is safer; misuse spreads harm; loss brings clarity.
Key Takeaway
Balance transparency with responsibility.
Themes
power
secrecy
corruption
consequences
Mood
cautionary
philosophical
Type
literary
ethical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- governance
- personal relationships
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
political theory
ethics
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- When is secrecy justified?
- What are the costs of hidden power?
A Different Perspective
Absolute secrecy can breed mistrust and stagnation.