Espionage Quote by Thomas Powers
“The first rule in keeping secrets is nothing on paper: paper can be lost or stolen or simply inherited by the wrong people; if you really want to keep something secret, don't write it down.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Company of Strangers by Thomas Powers, 1999
Keeping secrets requires avoiding written records because they can be lost, stolen, or misused.
In simple terms: Avoid writing down secrets.
Key Takeaway
Never write sensitive information.
Themes
privacy
security
information management
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
advice
warning
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- personal relationships
- legal matters
- digital communications
Key Concepts
risk
trust
confidentiality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you protect verbal secrets?
- What alternatives exist to written notes?
A Different Perspective
Written records can be accessed despite precautions.
