--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Secrecy is like oxygen to politicians and…" description: "\"“Secrecy is like oxygen to politicians and defense forces; there’s always got to be some of it to keep them going.”\" — Peter F. Hamilton" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/09e/peter-f-hamilton-11355_politicians_secrecy-is-like-oxygen-to-politicians-an_861293.png" --- # Secrecy is like oxygen to politicians and defense forces… ![“Secrecy is like oxygen to politicians and defense forces; there’s always got to be some of it to keep them going.” quote by Peter F. Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/09e/peter-f-hamilton-11355_politicians_secrecy-is-like-oxygen-to-politicians-an_861293.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/09e/peter-f-hamilton-11355_politicians_secrecy-is-like-oxygen-to-politicians-an_861293.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/09e/peter-f-hamilton-11355_politicians_secrecy-is-like-oxygen-to-politicians-an_861293.png) > ““Secrecy is like oxygen to politicians and defense forces; there’s always got to be some of it to keep them going.”” [Peter F. Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-f-hamilton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Secrecy fuels power structures; without it, institutions falter. **In simple terms:** Power needs secrecy to survive. Key Takeaway Balance transparency with necessary confidentiality. Themes politics secrecy power trust control Mood critical inquisitive cautious Type analytical philosophical When to use this quote - government - military - corporate strategy - intelligence agencies - media reporting Key Concepts Political science information theory ethics Questions to Reflect On - When is secrecy justified? - How much secrecy is too much? A Different Perspective Excessive secrecy erodes public trust and accountability. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Politicians](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politicians/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Secrecy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/secrecy/) ## Related quotes > [“A culture of secrecy is like the bad stench created by cat pee—it is very difficult to get rid of.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pierre-de-vos/a-culture-of-secrecy-is-like-the-bad-stench-created-by-cat-pee-it-is/) Pierre de Vos > [Of course, corporations and governments have a right to something for their money. They pay the wages. 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