Skip to content

I did not know that a person could hold up a wall made up…

“I did not know that a person could hold up a wall made up of imaginary bricks and mortar against the horrors and cruel, dark tricks of time that assail us, and be the author therefore of themselves.” quote by Sebastian Barry
Download Open image
““I did not know that a person could hold up a wall made up of imaginary bricks and mortar against the horrors and cruel, dark tricks of time that assail us, and be the author therefore of themselves.””

Sebastian Barry

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A person can construct mental defenses against life's hardships and shape their own identity through imagination and resilience.

In simple terms: Imaginary walls protect us and define ourselves.

Key Takeaway

Build mental resilience.

Themes

resilience identity imagination

Mood

reflective determined

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal crisis
  • grief
  • creative writing
  • self‑reflection

Key Concepts

self‑determination psychological defense

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you use imagination to cope?
  • What risks come from self‑created narratives?
A Different Perspective

Imaginary defenses may isolate you from reality.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Sebastian Barry

Explore all 125 Sebastian Barry quotes

More Bricks and mortar quotes

Browse all 41 Bricks and mortar quotes