Oyster Quote by Walter Isaacson
““Occasionally Leonardo appended a moral lesson to the entry, such as this: “The oyster, when the moon is full, opens itself wide, and when the crab looks in he throws in a stone or seaweed and the oyster cannot close again, whereby it serves for food to that crab. This is what happens to him who opens his mouth to tell his secret. He becomes the prey of the treacherous hearer.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Leonardo da Vinci, by Walter Isaacson, 2017
Sharing secrets can make one vulnerable to exploitation, as illustrated by the oyster metaphor.
In simple terms: Secrets invite danger.
Key Takeaway
Guard your secrets wisely.
Themes
trust
secrecy
vulnerability
Mood
cautionary
thoughtful
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- professional settings
- online sharing
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
psychology
communication
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it safe to share a secret?
- How can you protect yourself when speaking openly?
A Different Perspective
Not all secrets are harmful; openness can foster intimacy.
