Insane person Quote by David Kahn
![“between 321 and 300 B.C., recommended that ambassadors use cryptanalysis to obtain intelligence: “If there is no possibility of carrying on any such conversation (conversation with the people regarding their loyalty), he [the envoy] may try to gather such information by observing the talk of…” quote by David Kahn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1a8/david-kahn-13896_insane-person_between-321-and-300-b-c-recommended-that_2793559.jpg)
““between 321 and 300 B.C., recommended that ambassadors use cryptanalysis to obtain intelligence: “If there is no possibility of carrying on any such conversation (conversation with the people regarding their loyalty), he [the envoy] may try to gather such information by observing the talk of beggars, intoxicated and insane persons, or of persons babbling in sleep, or by observing the signs made in places of pilgrimage and temples, or by deciphering paintings or secret writings.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Codebreakers by David Kahn, 1967
Ancient intelligence gathering used indirect observation and unconventional sources to uncover hidden information.
In simple terms: Old spies used odd clues to gather secrets.
Key Takeaway
Consider unconventional data sources for insights.
Themes
intelligence
observation
creativity
Mood
analytical
curious
cautious
Type
historical
practical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- archaeology research
- market analysis
- security audits
- social media monitoring
Key Concepts
cryptanalysis
espionage
historical methods
Questions to Reflect On
- What unconventional sources could reveal hidden trends?
- How do you balance curiosity with respect for privacy?
A Different Perspective
Modern methods may overlook ethical concerns and privacy.
![“The technique was at least moderately well known, for Ibn Khaldūn wrote in The Muqaddimah: “Occasionally, skillful secretaries, though not the first to invent a code [and with no previous knowledge of it], nonetheless find rules [for solving it] through combinations which they evolve for the…” quote by David Kahn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1d1/david-kahn-13896_programming_the-technique-was-at-least-moderately-we_657231.jpg)
