Savoir dissimuler est le savoir des rois.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Discretion and the ability to hide one's true intentions are critical skills for rulers.
- In plain terms
- Kings need to know how to keep secrets.
- What can you take from it?
- Hide your plans to maintain power.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is transparency more valuable than secrecy?
- How do you balance openness and caution?
Another view
Over-secretiveness can breed distrust among allies.
More from Cardinal Richelieu
Pour tromper un rival l'artifice est permis; on peut tout employer contres ses ennemis.
Permalink to quote #2 Carry on any enterprise as if all future success depends on it.
Permalink to quote #4 Qu'on me donne six lignes ecrites de la main du plus honnete homme, j'y trouverai de quoi le faire pendre.
Permalink to quote #1
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