Building walls for security only makes us prisoners.
Imagine standing in a vast open field, the horizon stretching endlessly before you. In this moment, you have the freedom to move in any direction, to explore, and to connect with the world around you. Now, envision someone next to you, beginning to construct a wall. Brick by brick, the wall grows taller and thicker, creating a barrier between you and everything beyond it. Initially, it may seem like this wall provides safety and security, shielding you from unknown dangers. Yet, as the wall reaches its full height, you realize that it not only keeps others out but also locks you in. You become confined within its boundaries, restricted from experiencing the full richness of life beyond its confines.
This analogy reflects a profound truth about human nature: the impulse to seek security often leads us to erect barriers that ultimately imprison us. We build walls not just physically but also metaphorically, in our relationships, careers, and personal lives. These walls may be made of fear, distrust, or the need for control. Initially, they offer a sense of protection from perceived threats or vulnerabilities. However, over time, these barriers isolate us from the very experiences, opportunities, and connections that make life meaningful and fulfilling.
Consider the example of a person who, due to past hurts, builds emotional walls around themselves. They might avoid close relationships or vulnerability to shield themselves from potential pain. While this strategy may prevent immediate harm, it also deprives them of the deep connections and support that come from opening up to others. Similarly, in society, when communities or nations build walls—whether physical borders or social divides—they may think they are protecting their interests or resources. Yet, these divisions often perpetuate misunderstanding, conflict, and missed opportunities for collaboration and growth.
The idea that “building walls for security only makes us prisoners” underscores the paradox of seeking security through isolation. True security, in both personal and societal contexts, isn’t found in separation but in openness and interconnectedness. Just as a garden enclosed by walls can only grow so much before its plants wither from lack of sunlight and fresh air, our lives can stagnate when we shut out the world around us.
Think of a river flowing freely versus one dammed up: the free-flowing river nourishes the land it passes through, supporting diverse life forms and sustaining ecosystems. In contrast, the dammed river, while controlled and seemingly secure, disrupts natural processes and often leads to unforeseen consequences downstream. Similarly, when we choose openness over isolation, we invite growth, learning, and new experiences into our lives. We cultivate resilience and adaptability, essential qualities for navigating life’s challenges and uncertainties.
At its core, the message is clear: the pursuit of security through walls limits our potential for growth and fulfillment. It encourages us to reevaluate our approach to security—moving away from fortification and towards resilience. Instead of building walls, we can build bridges: connections that enrich our lives, expand our horizons, and foster a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. These bridges allow us to traverse diverse landscapes, embrace new perspectives, and find common ground with those around us.
In summary, the essence of this insight is that by seeking security through isolation and separation, we inadvertently confine ourselves within self-imposed boundaries. The walls we build, whether physical, emotional, or social, may provide a temporary sense of safety, but they ultimately restrict our ability to fully engage with and benefit from the richness of life.
Now, consider this: In what areas of your life have you built walls for security? How might you begin to dismantle these walls and cultivate greater openness and connection?
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an impact-driven creator at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 life goals around the globe. Tal's journey and recent book, The Art of Fully Living, inspired him to found Elevate Society.
