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That is of course rather painful for those involved. One should not as a rule reveal one's secrets, since one does not know if and when one may need them again. The essential English leadership secret does not depend on particular intelligence. Rather, it depends on a remarkably stupid thick-headedness. The English follow the principle that when one lies, one should lie big, and stick to it. They keep up their lies, even at the risk of looking ridiculous.

Joseph Goebbels#3

PowerLeadershipLiesSecretsStrategy

About this quote

What does it mean?
The author advises keeping secrets and criticizes English leadership for sticking to big lies.
In plain terms
Keep secrets safe and watch how others lie boldly.
What can you take from it?
Guard secrets and observe how others handle lies.

Where it applies

  • political strategy
  • negotiation
  • public relations

Putting it to work

  • information control
  • strategic planning
  • public perception

Questions to consider

  • When should secrets be kept?
  • How do lies affect leadership?

Another view

This dismisses integrity as a leadership trait.

More from Joseph Goebbels

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  3. Success is the important thing. Propaganda is not a matter for average minds, but rather a matter for practitioners. It is not supposed to be lovely or theoret…

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