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Government ought to be all outside and no inside…

“Government ought to be all outside and no inside. . . . Everybody knows that corruption thrives in secret places, and avoids public places, and we believe it a fair presumption that secrecy means impropriety.” quote by Woodrow Wilson
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“Government ought to be all outside and no inside. . . . Everybody knows that corruption thrives in secret places, and avoids public places, and we believe it a fair presumption that secrecy means impropriety.”

Woodrow Wilson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Public oversight prevents corruption; secrecy invites misconduct.

In simple terms: Open government reduces corruption.

Key Takeaway

Advocate for transparency in institutions.

Themes

government corruption transparency

Mood

critical optimistic

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • journalism
  • NGO work
  • civic engagement

Key Concepts

political ethics public trust

Questions to Reflect On

  • How to balance secrecy and openness?
  • What mechanisms ensure accountability?
A Different Perspective

Too much openness can jeopardize privacy or security.

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