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Bargain Quote by John le Carre

“Never trade a secret, you'll always get the short end of the bargain.” quote by John le Carre
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“Never trade a secret, you'll always get the short end of the bargain.”

John le Carre

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, 1963, literary quote

Keeping secrets leads to disadvantage; secrecy can backfire and cause loss.

In simple terms: Never trade secrets; you’ll be short‑changed.

Key Takeaway

Guard information wisely, avoid unnecessary sharing.

Themes

trust secrecy risk

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • business negotiations
  • political espionage
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

information ethics strategic communication

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it right to disclose a secret?
  • What are the costs of secrecy?
A Different Perspective

Sometimes sharing can protect others.

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