Quote by Alessandro Manzoni
When a friend, then, indulges in the joy of unburdening a secret on to another friend's bosom, he makes the latter, in his turn, feel the urge to taste the same joy himself. He implores him, it is true, not to tell a soul; but if such a condition were taken absolutely literally, it would at once cut off the flow of these joys at their very source. The general practice is for the secret to be confided only to an equally trustworthy friend, the same conditions being imposed on him. And so from trustworthy friend to trustworthy friend the secret goes moving on round that immense chain, until finally it reaches the ears of just the very person or persons whom the first talker had expressly intended it never should reach.
Summary
This quote highlights the paradox and allure of sharing secrets. When someone confides in a friend and experiences the joy of unburdening themselves, it often leads the listener to desire the same gratification. Although the initial confidant insists on absolute secrecy, it would hinder the transmission of this joy if taken literally. Instead, the usual practice involves confiding only in a trustworthy friend who is equally bound by secrecy. Thus, the secret travels from one trustworthy friend to another, forming an extensive chain. However, paradoxically, this chain may eventually reach the very individuals the secret was never intended for.
Topics
Secrets
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