Bargain Quote by John le Carre
“Never trade a secret, you'll always get the short end of the bargain.”
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.
Guard information wisely, avoid unnecessary sharing.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- political espionage
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it right to disclose a secret?
- What are the costs of secrecy?
Sometimes sharing can protect others.