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About this quote

What does it mean?
A small group can keep a secret if the rest are absent.
In plain terms
Three can keep a secret when two are away.
What can you take from it?
Limit participants to protect confidentiality.

Where it applies

  • confidential meetings
  • sensitive discussions

Putting it to work

  • keep audience small
  • ensure trust among participants

Questions to consider

  • How reliable is secrecy in small groups?
  • What safeguards help?

Another view

Even small groups can leak information.

More from John Heywood

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  3. You cannot see the wood for the trees.

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