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"سه نفر می توانند رازی را نگه دارند اگر دو نفر از آنها مرده باشند"

Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin Polymath
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Quote meaning
This quote essentially means that secrets are incredibly hard to keep—especially when multiple people are involved. The core idea is simple: the more people know a secret, the greater the risk that it will be revealed. It's a bit morbid, sure, but it emphasizes the point that true confidentiality is fragile.

Historically, this saying is attributed to Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States. He was a man of many talents: a writer, scientist, and statesman, to name a few. Franklin had a keen observation of human nature and often offered advice in the form of witty aphorisms. This particular one highlights his understanding of human frailty and the inevitability of secrets slipping out.

Now, imagine you're in a small office, and you discover that your company is about to undergo a major restructuring. It’s a sensitive topic, and only a handful of people know. You and two of your colleagues are in on it. For a while, everything's fine—nobody says a word. But then, one of your colleagues drops a hint at lunchtime, not meaning to spill the beans but just a slip of the tongue. Suddenly, the entire office is buzzing with rumors. The secret's out.

So, how do you use this bit of wisdom in your own life? First, be judicious about what you share and with whom. If you absolutely must share a secret, pick someone you trust completely—someone who has a proven track record of keeping confidences. And keep the circle as small as possible. The fewer people know, the better your chances of keeping it under wraps.

Let's say you’re planning a surprise birthday party for a friend. You've got the place, the guest list, and a fantastic cake ready. Now, you want to keep it a surprise, right? Here’s where Franklin’s wisdom kicks in. Only tell those who need to know—maybe just one or two close friends who can help with the arrangements. The more people you involve, the higher the chance that someone will accidentally let the cat out of the bag.

I remember a time when I was part of a close-knit group planning a big surprise for our friend's engagement. We were so excited and everyone was buzzing with ideas. The excitement was palpable—but you know what? We kept the group small. Only the key players were involved. We had a couple of close calls, and there were moments when it felt like the secret was about to burst out, but we managed. The look on our friend’s face when the surprise was revealed? Priceless. That’s the reward for keeping the circle tight.

In the end, Franklin's quote is a stark reminder about the nature of secrets. They’re slippery and hard to contain, especially as more people get involved. So, keep that circle small, trust wisely, and remember that sometimes, the best-kept secrets are the ones you don't share at all.
Related tags
Betrayal Confidentiality Danger Fear Loyalty Mystery Secrecy Skepticism Survival Trust
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