This quote essentially advises against creating barriers, either in our personal lives or in society at large. The walls here are metaphorical, representing anything that separates people or ideas. They could be physical barriers like borders between countries, or emotional walls we put up to protect ourselves from getting hurt. The quote suggests that these walls may seem beneficial initially but will eventually lead to regret and shame.
The idea of ‘cleverness’ here refers to the wisdom of understanding the long-term consequences of our actions. It implies that true cleverness lies not in isolating ourselves but in fostering connections and embracing openness.
In terms of personal development, this quote can serve as a reminder against becoming too guarded or closed off from others. While it’s natural to want to protect oneself from potential harm, completely shutting out others can lead to loneliness and missed opportunities for growth and learning.
In the context of today’s world—where divisive rhetoric often leads to increased polarization—this quote serves as a call for unity and open dialog. Building metaphorical walls between different groups (be it along lines of race, religion, nationality etc.) only breeds misunderstanding and hostility which over time can cause societal shame.
However, tearing down these ‘walls’ doesn’t mean blindly trusting everyone or compromising on security measures; rather it’s about promoting empathy, inclusivity and understanding among diverse groups while still maintaining necessary boundaries for safety.
So whether on an individual level or a societal one—building ‘walls’ might seem like an easy solution in the short term but ultimately they create more harm than good—a fact we would do well to remember before resorting such measures.
