Don't Blab

Some men have a foolish habit of telling their business secrets. If they make money they like to tell their neighbors how it was done. Nothing is gained by this, and ofttimes much is lost. Say nothing about your profits, your hopes, your expectations, your intentions. And this should apply to letters as well as to conversation. Goethe makes Mephistophilles say: "Never write a letter nor destroy one." Business men must write letters, but they should be careful what they put in them. If you are losing money, be specially cautious and not tell of it, or you will lose your reputation.

Some men have a foolish habit of sharing their business secrets. If they make money, they like to tell their neighbors how they did it. Sharing these secrets gains nothing and often costs a great deal. Say nothing about your profits, hopes, expectations, or plans. Keep these matters private in letters as well as in conversation. Goethe has Mephistophilles say: "Never write a letter or destroy one." Businessmen must write letters, but they should be careful what they put in them. If you are losing money, be especially careful not to tell anyone, or you will lose your reputation.