Historical fiction Quote by Marge Piercy
““No, It's not fair. But I was thinking more along the lines of the Pentagon and Washington itself. Sometimes I suspect that those who are running things might grow addicted to power. Secrecy's essential in wartime, but once in place, will it ever be removed?””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 1995
Power can become a habit for those who wield it, and secrecy that begins as a wartime necessity may persist long after the conflict ends.
In simple terms: Power can become addictive; secrecy may linger after war.
Key Takeaway
Question power structures and demand transparency.
Themes
politics
power
secrecy
government
ethics
Mood
skeptical
concerned
Type
critical
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- military oversight
- journalistic investigation
- public advocacy
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
institutional inertia
accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- Who benefits from ongoing secrecy?
- How can societies balance security with openness?
A Different Perspective
Secrecy can be justified for security, making reform difficult.
