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Wall Rational Quote by Dorothy Gilman

“Nor was this lessened by the knowledge that it was only a wall. There was nothing rational about a wall, whether it encircled Berlin, San Quentin or the ghettos of Warsaw. A wall was a symbol, fortified as much by the idea behind it as by bricks and guns.” quote by Dorothy Gilman
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““Nor was this lessened by the knowledge that it was only a wall. There was nothing rational about a wall, whether it encircled Berlin, San Quentin or the ghettos of Warsaw. A wall was a symbol, fortified as much by the idea behind it as by bricks and guns.””

Dorothy Gilman

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Snow Goose by Dorothy Gilman, 1970

Walls are symbolic barriers, defined as much by the ideas they represent as by their physical structure, regardless of location.

In simple terms: Walls symbolize ideas as much as bricks.

Key Takeaway

Question the ideas behind barriers.

Themes

politics freedom symbolism

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

analytical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • urban planning
  • historical conflicts
  • personal boundaries

Key Concepts

psychology social constructs

Questions to Reflect On

  • What walls exist only in your mind?
  • How can you dismantle symbolic barriers?
A Different Perspective

Physical walls may not address underlying mental barriers.

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