People keeping secrets?

Question

Do you agree that people need to keep secrets?

(A) While secrecy can be destructive, some of it is indispensible in

human lives. Some control over secrecy and openness is needed in order

to protect identity. Such control may be needed to guard privacy,

intimacy, and friendship.

(B)Secrecy and a free, democratic government, President Harry Truman

once said, don’t mix. An open exchange of information is vital to the

kind of informed citizenry essential to a healthy democracy.

Do you agree that people need to keep secrets?

Answer 1

To me, I guess this depends on what the definition of secret is. I believe some information is harmful to certain people -- and if it does not help somebody more than it harms them, then I believe it is irresponsible to share that information.

I also feel that the old adage of "don't throw your peals before swine" is really appropriate here. There is some information that is privileged, and should not be shared with others that have not demonstrated a vital need or their trustworthiness to the would-be secret bearer. In a nutshell, why share your precious thoughts, ideas, memories, beliefs etc with someone who doesn't appreciate it, who would otherwise trample or muddy them?

Answer 2

If the secret does not hurt anyone or is not intended for a destructive selfish purpose then yes.

   I beleive that when someone wants to confide a peice of themselves to you and asks you to keep it a secret, depending on the nobility of the person then yes the secret should be kept, it's not your to tell.

   And if you know something that makes it all the more special for only you knowing it then why not? It makes life interesting....

However....

People keep secrets to protect someone else all the time, but it depends on the situation at hand.

Like to keep a secret knowing it can damage anothers well being or to purposly hurt anything then moraly you shouldn't keep it.

Answer 3

I think that president meant that if you run a country, you can't lie to your people. I say A. Everyone has the right to keep a secret and when(and if of course) they feel ready, share it with someone.