"If you wish another to keep your secret, first keep it to yourself." - Seneca
August 19, 2009
These are the days of going public with knowledge.
Some, like me, enjoy people knowing what we are thinking and doing, who we know, how to contact us, and other details of our lives.
It is a good thing because, like it or not, once we have posted it to one, it has the potential to go viral and spread to any who might care.
Of course, the great tragedy in our lives might be that not enough care.
It has been over 2000 years since Seneca spoke these words. They were true then too.
It is not that people want to disrespect your confidence; it is just very hard to keep it. They tell one person who they are sure will keep the secret and that person thinks the same about the person they tell.
The moral of the story is simply to be circumspect. Assume that what you tell will be told. Live transparently, authentically, and openly, but keep some things to yourself.
You can always (and should) tell God.