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Quote by Emil M. Cioran

“When we have committed the folly of confiding a secret to someone, the only way of being sure he will keep it to himself is to kill him on the spot.” quote by Emil M. Cioran
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““When we have committed the folly of confiding a secret to someone, the only way of being sure he will keep it to himself is to kill him on the spot.””

Emil M. Cioran

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Temptation to Exist” (1936)

Trusting others with secrets is risky; only extreme measures guarantee silence.

In simple terms: Secrets are unsafe.

Key Takeaway

Guard secrets wisely.

Themes

trust secrecy danger

Mood

cautious skeptical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • politics
  • personal relationships
  • legal matters
  • intelligence work

Key Concepts

existentialism ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is absolute secrecy possible?
  • What ethical alternatives exist?
A Different Perspective

Violence is not a practical solution.

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