At that time we were very definitely told that under no circumstances should there be any secret chapters or any other secrecy in the life of the Party, but that everything should be done publicly.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
We don't need secrecy.
I agree that there are things that should be kept secret.
A secret is not something unrevealed, but something told privately, in a whisper.
Every thing secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity.
The idea of withholding a massive secret is obviously quite exciting to some people. It is also the basis of much classic drama, of course, from Sophocles onwards.
We don't have an Official Secrets Act in the United States, as other countries do. Under the First Amendment, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and freedom of association are more important than protecting secrets.
In those days secrets were well kept.
In any event, it's not exactly a secret to regular readers what my views on the war are.
I actually think that secrets are just a part of human nature and that everybody should have some.
Secrecy is the foundation of politics.