Cover Quote by Madeleine Albright
“The cover-up, more than the initial wrongdoing, is what is most likely to bring you down.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Ethics, United Nations, 1995
The main danger lies not in the original act but in the subsequent attempt to conceal it, which can cause greater harm.
In simple terms: Cover‑ups cause more damage than the original fault.
Key Takeaway
Avoid covering up mistakes; be transparent.
Themes
integrity
accountability
consequences
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
ethical
advisory
When to use this quote
- political scandals
- corporate fraud
- personal mistakes
- public relations crises
Key Concepts
ethical leadership
reputation management
Questions to Reflect On
- How might transparency change the outcome of a mistake?
- What pressures lead people to hide their errors?
A Different Perspective
Cover‑ups may be motivated by fear of shame, yet they erode trust more than the original error.
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