--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I can understand the Chinese Wall: it was…" description: "\"I can understand the Chinese Wall: it was built as a defense against marauders. But a wall such as that in Berlin, built to prevent people from seeking..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/717/robert-kennedy-2083_berlin_i-can-understand-the-chinese-wall-it-was_2471447.jpg" --- # I can understand the Chinese Wall: it was built as a… ![“I can understand the Chinese Wall: it was built as a defense against marauders. But a wall such as that in Berlin, built to prevent people from seeking freedom, is almost beyond comprehension.” quote by Robert Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/717/robert-kennedy-2083_berlin_i-can-understand-the-chinese-wall-it-was_2471447.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/717/robert-kennedy-2083_berlin_i-can-understand-the-chinese-wall-it-was_2471447.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/717/robert-kennedy-2083_berlin_i-can-understand-the-chinese-wall-it-was_2471447.jpg) > “I can understand the Chinese Wall: it was built as a defense against marauders. But a wall such as that in Berlin, built to prevent people from seeking freedom, is almost beyond comprehension.” [Robert Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-kennedy/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A defensive structure is understandable, but a barrier that blocks freedom is incomprehensible. **In simple terms:** Defensive walls are okay; walls that stop freedom are not. Key Takeaway Question the purpose of barriers that limit liberty. Themes freedom oppression politics Mood thoughtful critical Type philosophical political When to use this quote - political protest - human rights activism - education about history - personal reflection Key Concepts human rights state power psychology Questions to Reflect On - Is a wall always a protection? - When does security become oppression? A Different Perspective Walls can protect but also imprison; context matters. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Berlin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/berlin/) [Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Wall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wall/) ## Related quotes > [The ramparts of Vienna are crumbling into the sand; no one wants to live so confined, however, the entire country is already surrounded by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/franz-grillparzer/the-ramparts-of-vienna-are-crumbling-into-the-sand-no-one-wants-to/) [Franz Grillparzer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/franz-grillparzer/) > [One has to keep in mind the countless human tragedies that played out in these days. Through the middle of a city, where several…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/willy-brandt/one-has-to-keep-in-mind-the-countless-human-tragedies-that-played-out/) [Willy Brandt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/willy-brandt/) > [It's an enormous wall that's built between you and your dreams. And if every day, you just chip away... It may take ten years,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-burns/it-s-an-enormous-wall-that-s-built-between-you-and-your-dreams-and-if/) [Edward Burns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-burns/) > [Remember, don't try to build the greatest wall that's ever been built. Focus on laying a single, expertly-placed brick. Then keep doing that, every…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/will-smith/remember-don-t-try-to-build-the-greatest-wall-that-s-ever-been-built/) [Will Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/will-smith/) > [You don’t try to build a wall, you don’t set out to build a wall. You don’t say ‘I’m going to build the biggest,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/will-smith/you-don-t-try-to-build-a-wall-you-don-t-set-out-to-build-a-wall-you/) [Will Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/will-smith/) > [Some people only see the wall you have built to protect your heart. Others find the backdoor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nishan-panwar/some-people-only-see-the-wall-you-have-built-to-protect-your-heart/) [Nishan Panwar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nishan-panwar/) > [I know the human spirit. I haven't found a wall that can be built that a determined human being can't get over, under or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-christie/i-know-the-human-spirit-i-haven-t-found-a-wall-that-can-be-built-that/) [Chris Christie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-christie/) > [When a girl has a wall up it's because it was built... Brick by brick, lie after lie, heartbreak after heartbreak.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/obviously-me-p/when-a-girl-has-a-wall-up-it-s-because-it-was-built-brick-by-brick/) Obviously Me :p > [The fact is, since then, many killings,murders, crime, drugs pouring across the border, are money going out and the drugs coming in. And I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-trump/the-fact-is-since-then-many-killings-murders-crime-drugs-pouring/) [Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-trump/) > [“In coming here, I was digging at the foundations of something larger and deeper, scratching tiny lines in a wall I dare not breach.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dan-wells/in-coming-here-i-was-digging-at-the-foundations-of-something-larger/) [Dan Wells](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dan-wells/) > [ \[Donald\] Trump is touching a nerve because people want the wall to be built. They want to see an end to illegal immigration. They… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-kasich/donald-trump-is-touching-a-nerve-because-people-want-the-wall-to-be/) [John Kasich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-kasich/) > [If a girl has a wall up its because it was built. Brick by brick, lie after lie, heartbreak after heartbreak](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-a-girl-has-a-wall-up-its-because-it-was-built-brick-by-brick-lie/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I think Donald Trump is a master of moving on from losses when he suffered them, and if he can't find a way in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-halperin/i-think-donald-trump-is-a-master-of-moving-on-from-losses-when-he/) [Mark Halperin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-halperin/) > [I don't want a wall being built around the Netherlands.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geert-wilders/i-don-t-want-a-wall-being-built-around-the-netherlands/) [Geert Wilders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geert-wilders/) > [If a girl has a wall up it's because it was built. Brick by Brick, Lie after lie, heartbreak after heartbreak.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-a-girl-has-a-wall-up-it-s-because-it-was-built-brick-by-brick-lie/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More by Robert Kennedy > [Wars of any magnitude release powerful social and economic forces which can change the whole face of the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-kennedy/wars-of-any-magnitude-release-powerful-social-and-economic-forces/) [Robert Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-kennedy/) > [If freedom makes social progress possible, so social progress strengthens and enlarges freedom. The two are inseparable partners in the great adventure of humanity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-kennedy/if-freedom-makes-social-progress-possible-so-social-progress/) [Robert Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-kennedy/) > [Goethe tells us in his greatest poem that Faust lost the liberty of his soul when he said to the passing moment, 'Stay, thou…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-kennedy/goethe-tells-us-in-his-greatest-poem-that-faust-lost-the-liberty-of/) [Robert Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-kennedy/) > [The intolerant man will not rely on persuasion, or on the worth of the idea. He would deny to others the very freedom of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-kennedy/the-intolerant-man-will-not-rely-on-persuasion-or-on-the-worth-of-the/) [Robert Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-kennedy/) > [Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-kennedy/let-us-dedicate-ourselves-to-what-the-greeks-wrote-so-many-years-ago/) [Robert Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-kennedy/) > [President Kennedy's election was such an enlargement. It expanded religious freedom to include the highest office in the land. President Kennedy's administration was such…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-kennedy/president-kennedy-s-election-was-such-an-enlargement-it-expanded/) [Robert Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-kennedy/) > [Men and women with freed minds may often be mistaken, but they are seldom fooled. They may be influenced, but they cannot be intimidated.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-kennedy/men-and-women-with-freed-minds-may-often-be-mistaken-but-they-are/) [Robert Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-kennedy/) > [Prejudice exists and probably will continue to 'but we have tried to make progress and we are making progress. We are not going to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-kennedy/prejudice-exists-and-probably-will-continue-to-but-we-have-tried-to/) [Robert Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-kennedy/) > [Too much and too long, we seem to have surrendered community excellence and community values in the mere accumulation of material things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-kennedy/too-much-and-too-long-we-seem-to-have-surrendered-community/) [Robert Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-kennedy/) > [In the final analysis, poverty is a condition of helplessness - of inability to cope with the conditions of existence in our complex society.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-kennedy/in-the-final-analysis-poverty-is-a-condition-of-helplessness-of/) [Robert Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-kennedy/) > [We know that we cannot live together without rules which tell us what is right and what is wrong, what is permitted and what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-kennedy/we-know-that-we-cannot-live-together-without-rules-which-tell-us-what/) [Robert Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-kennedy/) > [Punishment is not prevention. History offers cold comfort to those who think grievance and despair can be subdued by force.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-kennedy/punishment-is-not-prevention-history-offers-cold-comfort-to-those-who/) [Robert Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-kennedy/) > [The travail of freedom and justice is not easy, but nothing serious and important in life is easy. The history of humanity has been…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-kennedy/the-travail-of-freedom-and-justice-is-not-easy-but-nothing-serious/) [Robert Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-kennedy/) > [The Gross National Product measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our compassion nor our devotion to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-kennedy/the-gross-national-product-measures-neither-our-wit-nor-our-courage/) [Robert Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-kennedy/) > [Our future may lie beyond our vision, but it is not completely beyond our control. It is the shaping impulse of America that neither…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-kennedy/our-future-may-lie-beyond-our-vision-but-it-is-not-completely-beyond/) [Robert Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-kennedy/) [Explore all 186 Robert Kennedy quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-kennedy/) ## More Berlin quotes > [This brings me back to the image of Kafka standing before a fish in the Berlin aquarium, a fish on which his gaze fell…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-safran-foer/this-brings-me-back-to-the-image-of-kafka-standing-before-a-fish-in/) [Jonathan Safran Foer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-safran-foer/) > [I did a concert... in September with the Berlin Philharmonic... They're great musicians, and there's always something to learn from them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cecilia-bartoli/i-did-a-concert-in-september-with-the-berlin-philharmonic-they-re/) [Cecilia Bartoli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cecilia-bartoli/) > [The fall of the Berlin Wall makes for nice pictures. But it all started in the shipyards.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lech-walesa/the-fall-of-the-berlin-wall-makes-for-nice-pictures-but-it-all/) [Lech Walesa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lech-walesa/) > [The music changed. We had Irving Berlin and Gershwin and Lerner and Loewe and Cole Porter. Great music. Now we have 'Rent.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cyd-charisse/the-music-changed-we-had-irving-berlin-and-gershwin-and-lerner-and/) [Cyd Charisse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cyd-charisse/) > [My works are dear to me, each in its own way, I shall have to answer for them on the Day off Judgement. God…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marc-chagall/my-works-are-dear-to-me-each-in-its-own-way-i-shall-have-to-answer/) [Marc Chagall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marc-chagall/) > [I'm not a prophet, but I always thought it was natural for dictatorships to fall. I remember in 1989, two months before the fall…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salman-rushdie/i-m-not-a-prophet-but-i-always-thought-it-was-natural-for/) [Salman Rushdie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salman-rushdie/) > [The church of St. Peter at Berlin, notwithstanding the total difference between them in the style of building, appears in some respects to have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karl-philipp-moritz/the-church-of-st-peter-at-berlin-notwithstanding-the-total-difference/) [Karl Philipp Moritz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karl-philipp-moritz/) > [...what happened in New York and Washington is the same thing that England and America did to Berlin every day for three years during…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lemmy-kilmister/what-happened-in-new-york-and-washington-is-the-same-thing-that/) [Lemmy Kilmister](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lemmy-kilmister/) > [I am in Paris. Yes ma'am , I made it back. I came up from Berlin, stopped here ten days, fought a losing battle…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/katherine-anne-porter/i-am-in-paris-yes-ma-am-i-made-it-back-i-came-up-from-berlin-stopped/) [Katherine Anne Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/katherine-anne-porter/) > [God bless America, land that I love.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/irving-berlin/god-bless-america-land-that-i-love/) [Irving Berlin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/irving-berlin/) > [I wouldn't want to live in Berlin. It's bombed out and there's a lot of techno.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sloane-crosley/i-wouldn-t-want-to-live-in-berlin-it-s-bombed-out-and-there-s-a-lot/) [Sloane Crosley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sloane-crosley/) > [Berlin is still a very edgy place, a very cosmopolitan place. It's a place where completely different ideas and cultures come together and clash…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-bremmer/berlin-is-still-a-very-edgy-place-a-very-cosmopolitan-place-it-s-a/) [Ian Bremmer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-bremmer/) > [Berlin would be a great place to have no cell phone, I think. Especially if you were able to live in a central location.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-ebert/berlin-would-be-a-great-place-to-have-no-cell-phone-i-think/) [Alex Ebert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-ebert/) > [Those who have ever valued liberty for its own sake believed that to be free to choose, and not to be chosen for, is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isaiah-berlin/those-who-have-ever-valued-liberty-for-its-own-sake-believed-that-to/) [Isaiah Berlin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/isaiah-berlin/) > [The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success. Talent is only a starting point in this business.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/irving-berlin/the-toughest-thing-about-success-is-that-you-ve-got-to-keep-on-being/) [Irving Berlin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/irving-berlin/) [Browse all 438 Berlin quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/berlin/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I can understand the Chinese Wall: it was built as a defense against marauders. 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