Skip to content

Behinds Quote by Martin Amis

“It seems to me that you need a lot of courage, or a lot of something, to enter into others, into other people. We all think that everyone else lives in fortresses, in fastnesses: behind moats, behind sheer walls studded with spikes and broken glass. But in fact we inhabit much punier structures…” quote by Martin Amis
Download Open image
“It seems to me that you need a lot of courage, or a lot of something, to enter into others, into other people. We all think that everyone else lives in fortresses, in fastnesses: behind moats, behind sheer walls studded with spikes and broken glass. But in fact we inhabit much punier structures. We are, as it turns out, all jerry-built. Or not even. You can just stick your head under the flap of the tent and crawl right in. If you get the okay.”

Martin Amis

About This Quote

Source Novel: Money by Martin Amis, 1984

People imagine others are fortified and distant, but we are actually fragile and open to connection if allowed.

In simple terms: We are more vulnerable and accessible than we think.

Key Takeaway

Seek genuine connection beyond perceived barriers.

Themes

vulnerability connection perception

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • friendship building
  • teamwork
  • therapy sessions

Key Concepts

social barriers human intimacy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What walls do you assume others have?
  • How can you invite authentic interaction?
A Different Perspective

People may resist openness despite opportunities.

2.7 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Martin Amis

Explore all 393 Martin Amis quotes

More Behinds quotes

Browse all 6,789 Behinds quotes