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About this quote

What does it mean?
Keeping affairs confidential is the most important rule in governance.
In plain terms
Secrecy is key for state affairs.
What can you take from it?
Keep state matters secret.

Where it applies

  • diplomacy
  • national security
  • executive decisions

Putting it to work

  • policy planning
  • secure communications

Questions to consider

  • How transparent should governments be?
  • What must always stay secret?

Another view

Excessive secrecy can undermine public accountability.

More from Cardinal Richelieu

  1. Reason must be the universal rule and guide; all things must be done according to reason without allowing oneself to be swayed by emotion.

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  2. War is one of the scourges with which it has pleased God to afflict men.

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  3. One must believe neither the people of the palace, who ordinarily measure the power of the king by the shape of his crown, which, being round, has no end, nor …

    Permalink to quote #10

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