All of them, all except Phineas, constructed at infinite cost to themselves these Maginot Lines against this enemy they thought they saw across the frontier, this enemy who never attacked that way-if he ever attacked at all; if he was indeed the enemy.

John Knowles
About This Quote

All of them, all except Phineas, constructed at infinite cost to themselves these Maginot Lines against this enemy they thought they saw across the frontier, this enemy who never attacked that way-if he ever attacked at all; if he was indeed the enemy. This quote is about the fear that no one wants to admit that they are wrong. The author uses the term "enemy" here to describe both Hitler and Stalin, two men who were absolutely terrifying to live under. They were both extremely cruel people who did not spare their followers.

When you are afraid of someone, you always think that they will come for you next. And it’s easier to make yourself believe that someone is your enemy than it is to admit that you are wrong.

Source: A Separate Peace

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