--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We know that the wages of secrecy are…" description: "\"We know that the wages of secrecy are corruption. We know that in secrecy error, undetected, will flourish and subvert.\" — J. Robert Oppenheimer" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/92b/j-robert-oppenheimer-6978_corruption_we-know-that-the-wages-of-secrecy-are-co_574157.jpg" --- # We know that the wages of secrecy are corruption. We know… ![“We know that the wages of secrecy are corruption. We know that in secrecy error, undetected, will flourish and subvert.” quote by J. Robert Oppenheimer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/92b/j-robert-oppenheimer-6978_corruption_we-know-that-the-wages-of-secrecy-are-co_574157.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/92b/j-robert-oppenheimer-6978_corruption_we-know-that-the-wages-of-secrecy-are-co_574157.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/92b/j-robert-oppenheimer-6978_corruption_we-know-that-the-wages-of-secrecy-are-co_574157.jpg) > “We know that the wages of secrecy are corruption. We know that in secrecy error, undetected, will flourish and subvert.” [J. Robert Oppenheimer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-robert-oppenheimer/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Secrecy breeds corruption and unchecked errors that undermine integrity. **In simple terms:** Hidden actions lead to decay. Key Takeaway Promote transparency. Themes ethics power accountability Mood cautious serious Type political ethical When to use this quote - government - science - corporate governance Key Concepts corruption information control Questions to Reflect On - How do we balance secrecy and oversight? - When does secrecy become harmful? A Different Perspective Secrecy can be necessary for security, creating tension. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Corruption](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/corruption/) [Espionage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/espionage/) [Secrecy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/secrecy/) [Wages](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wages/) ## Related quotes > [We do not believe any group of men adequate enough or wise enough to operate without scrutiny or without criticism. We know that the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-robert-oppenheimer/we-do-not-believe-any-group-of-men-adequate-enough-or-wise-enough-to/) [J. 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