For undemocratic reasons and for motives not of State, They arrive at their conclusions - largely inarticulate. Being void of self-expression they confide their views to none: But sometimes in a smoking-room, one learns why things were done.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Officials make decisions secretly without clear reasons, revealed only privately.
- In plain terms
- Leaders decide things in ways they do not explain to anyone.
- What can you take from it?
- Expect government decisions to be opaque and hard to understand.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do leaders hide motives?
- How do you trust opaque systems?
Another view
It ignores that some secrecy is necessary for security or diplomacy.
More from Rudyard Kipling
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Permalink to quote #56 For the female of the species is more deadly than the male.
Permalink to quote #58 Enough work to do, and strength enough to do the work.
Permalink to quote #55
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