Causes Quote by William Hazlitt
“People addicted to secrecy are so without knowing why; they are not so for cause, but for secrecy's sake.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: On Secrecy, 1820
People hide secrets not for cause but for the act of secrecy itself, driven by an irrational compulsion.
In simple terms: Secrecy is a compulsive habit.
Key Takeaway
Question why you keep secrets.
Themes
psychology
behavior
secrecy
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- political negotiations
- corporate confidentiality
Key Concepts
compulsion
irrationality
Questions to Reflect On
- What does secrecy achieve for you?
- Is the secrecy protecting or harming?
A Different Perspective
Secrecy can also protect vulnerable information.
![“Well the first time I performed, my mom was like how she is now when sees me on stage – all red, smiling from ear to ear. So I don’t want to mess up, [be]cause she’s smiling. Seeing my mom happy is kind of like an overwhelming feeling.” quote by Chris Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/477/chris-brown-1887_causes_well-the-first-time-i-performed-my-mom-w_4699.jpg)