“Why do you think it is stupid to go to windows instead of to doors?”“Because you advertise what you’re trying to hide, silly. If I have a secret, I don’t put tape over my mouth and let everyone know I have a secret. I talk just as much as usual, only about something else. Didn’t you ever read any of the sayings of Salvor Hardin? He was our first Mayor, you know.”“Yes, I know.”“Well, he used to say that only a lie that wasn’t ashamed of itself could possibly succeed. He also said that nothing had to be true, but everything had to sound true. Well, when you come in through a window, it’s a lie that’s ashamed of itself and it doesn’t sound true.”“Then what would you have done?”“If I had wanted to see my father on top secret business, I would have made his acquaintance openly and seen him about all sorts of strictly legitimate things. And then when everyone knew all about you and connected you with my father as a matter of course, you could be as top secret as you wanted and nobody would ever think of questioning it.”

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About Isaac Asimov

American science fiction writer and professor of biochemistry, Isaac Asimov is best known for his groundbreaking work in the science fiction genre, particularly the Foundation series and the Robot series. His prolific output also includes essays on science, popularizing complex concepts for general audiences with clarity and wit.

More from Isaac Asimov (160 quotes) →
"Why do you think it is stupid to go to windows instead of to doors?”“…" — Isaac Asimov | Daily Quotes