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He who trusts secrets to a servant makes him his master
John Dryden
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Trusting someone with secrets can give them power over you.

This quote by John Dryden highlights the inherent risks involved in sharing intimate information with others, particularly those in subordinate roles. By entrusting secrets to someone, you inadvertently elevate their position in your relationship, as they now hold the potential to wield influence or authority over you based on that knowledge. It serves as a cautionary reminder to be discerning about whom you confide in, as such trust can shift dynamics in unexpected ways.

Themes

TrustSecretsPowerRelationshipsWisdom

In practice

Example use cases

During a team meeting on confidentiality, one could say, 'He who trusts secrets to a servant makes him his master' to emphasize the importance of discretion.

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