If the front door is opened," Barris said, "during our…
““If the front door is opened," Barris said, "during our absence, my cassette tape recorder starts recording. It's under the couch. It has a two-hour tape. I placed three omnidirectional Sony mikes at three different--" "You should have told me," Arctor said. "What if they come in through the windows?" Luckman said. "Or the back door?" "To increase the chances of their making their entry via the front door," Barris continued, "rather than in other less usual ways, I providentially left the front door unlocked." After a pause, Luckman began to snigger. "Suppose they don't know it's unlocked?" Arctor said. "I put a note on it," Barris said.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A character tries to anticipate intruders by leaving a door unlocked, creating a paradox of security versus exposure.
In simple terms: Planning security can backfire if it invites the threat.
Key Takeaway
Consider the hidden risks of over‑preparing.
Themes
security
paradox
trust
risk
planning
Mood
tense
anxious
cautious
Type
dialogue
dramatic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- home safety
- espionage
- personal privacy
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
game theory
human error
surveillance
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions are you making about threats?
- How might openness create vulnerability?
A Different Perspective
Assumes intruders will follow expected patterns, ignoring creative threats.