Asking Quote by Dorothy L. Sayers
“A person who tells a secret, swearing the recipient to secrecy in turn, is asking of the other person a discretion which he is abrogating himself.”
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “The Man Who Knew Too Much”, 1931
When someone shares a secret and demands secrecy, they are actually violating the very discretion they ask for.
In simple terms: Sharing a secret while demanding secrecy is contradictory.
Key Takeaway
Avoid imposing secrecy you don’t keep.
Themes
ethics
communication
trust
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- confidential business handling
- legal advice
- personal relationships
- organizational policy
Key Concepts
paradox
responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you trust someone who asks you to keep a secret?
- How do you handle secrets you’re asked to protect?
A Different Perspective
People may unintentionally breach trust despite intentions.
![“He that tells a secret is anothers servant. [He that tells a secret is another's servant.]” quote by George Herbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ab3/george-herbert-107_secret_he-that-tells-a-secret-is-anothers-serva_220103.jpg)
![“See that the mind is honest, first; the rest may follow or not as God wills. [That] the fundamental treason to the mind ... is the one fundamental treason which the scholar's mind must not allow is the bond uniting all the Oxford people in the last resort.” quote by Dorothy L. Sayers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c74/dorothy-l-sayers-738_academia_see-that-the-mind-is-honest-first-the-re_16293.jpg)
![“Perhaps [the critics are right and] the drama is played out now and Jesus is safely dead and buried. Perhaps. It is ironical and entertaining to consider that at least once in the world's history those words might have been said with complete conviction, and that was on the eve of the Resurrection.” quote by Dorothy L. Sayers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/467/dorothy-l-sayers-738_buried_perhaps-the-critics-are-right-and-the-dr_43252.jpg)
