--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Everything secret degenerates, even the…" description: "\"Everything secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity\" — John ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/25a/john-emerich-edward-dalberg-ac_justice_everything-secret-degenerates-even-the-a_1404760.jpg" --- # Everything secret degenerates, even the administration of… ![“Everything secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity” quote by John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/25a/john-emerich-edward-dalberg-ac_justice_everything-secret-degenerates-even-the-a_1404760.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/25a/john-emerich-edward-dalberg-ac_justice_everything-secret-degenerates-even-the-a_1404760.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/25a/john-emerich-edward-dalberg-ac_justice_everything-secret-degenerates-even-the-a_1404760.jpg) > “Everything secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity” John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Power and secrecy erode integrity; transparency is essential for justice and accountability. **In simple terms:** Secrecy corrupts; openness protects. Key Takeaway Promote openness and public scrutiny. Themes transparency justice accountability power integrity Mood critical reflective Type philosophical political When to use this quote - government policy - legal proceedings - media reporting - organizational governance Key Concepts political theory ethics public discourse Questions to Reflect On - How does secrecy affect trust in institutions? - What mechanisms ensure genuine openness? A Different Perspective Transparency alone cannot fix systemic corruption without cultural change. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Justice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/justice/) [Management](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/management/) [Publicity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/publicity/) [Secret](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/secret/) [Secrets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/secrets/) ## Related quotes > [Every thing secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/every-thing-secret-degenerates-even-the-administration-of-justice/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Impressed with a conviction that the due administration of justice is the firmest pillar of good Government, I have considered the first arrangement of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-washington/impressed-with-a-conviction-that-the-due-administration-of-justice-is/) [George Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-washington/) > [I said the first concern of the administration of justice must, of course, be the individual. 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