---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There were two classes of persons upon…"
description: "\"“There were two classes of persons upon whom a duty of virtually absolute confidentiality rested: doctors and lovers.”\" — Alexander McCall Smith"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d57/alexander-mccall-smith-372_confidentiality_there-were-two-classes-of-persons-upon-w_896090.png"
---

#  There were two classes of persons upon whom a duty of…

![“There were two classes of persons upon whom a duty of virtually absolute confidentiality rested: doctors and lovers.” quote by Alexander McCall Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d57/alexander-mccall-smith-372_confidentiality_there-were-two-classes-of-persons-upon-w_896090.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d57/alexander-mccall-smith-372_confidentiality_there-were-two-classes-of-persons-upon-w_896090.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d57/alexander-mccall-smith-372_confidentiality_there-were-two-classes-of-persons-upon-w_896090.png)

> ““There were two classes of persons upon whom a duty of virtually absolute confidentiality rested: doctors and lovers.””

[Alexander McCall Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mccall-smith/)

## About This Quote

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

Intimate relationships demand absolute secrecy, similar to the trust placed in doctors, highlighting the vulnerability inherent in love and health.

**In simple terms:** Doctors and lovers share a duty of secrecy.

Key Takeaway

Guard confidences in love and health.

Themes

trust secrecy intimacy vulnerability ethics

Mood

thoughtful empathetic

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

- medical practice
- romantic relationships
- counseling sessions
- friendship support

Key Concepts

confidentiality personal boundaries emotional risk

Questions to Reflect On

- When is secrecy protective?
- When does it become harmful?

A Different Perspective

Secrecy can hinder openness and problem‑solving.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Confidentiality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confidentiality/) [Medicine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/medicine/)

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