Deceiving Quote by Sissela Bok
“While all deception requires secrecy, all secrecy is not meant to deceive.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Lying: Moral Choice in Public and Private Life, Sissela Bok, 1978
Deception needs secrecy, but secrecy can serve purposes other than deception, such as privacy or surprise.
In simple terms: Secrecy isn’t always deceptive.
Key Takeaway
Question motives behind secrecy.
Themes
ethics
communication
trust
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legal confidentiality
- personal relationships
- surprise parties
- whistleblowing
Key Concepts
privacy
intentionality
information control
Questions to Reflect On
- When is secrecy justified?
- How does secrecy affect trust?
A Different Perspective
Secrecy can protect truth, but may also hide harmful actions.
