“Sometimes you put walls up not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to break them down.”

This sounds like a dating technique. Traditionally, the woman has remained aloof and "hard to get." She builds these walls to see if the desired man cares enough to break down her resistance.

It might also apply to a society with overly restrictive set of rules such as curfews, dress codes, hair styles etc, in which the rules are imposed to see who the potential troublmemakers are.

The quote you mentioned is often attributed to American author and poet, Socrates. It conveys the idea that sometimes people build emotional barriers or walls, not necessarily to exclude others, but to discern who is truly invested in breaking them down and getting to know them on a deeper level.

This quote highlights the importance of genuine connections and meaningful relationships. It suggests that in certain situations, individuals may intentionally create barriers to test the dedication and perseverance of others. When someone cares enough to break through those walls, it demonstrates their commitment and genuine interest in building a closer bond.

This concept can be applied to various aspects of life, such as friendships, romantic relationships, or even professional interactions. It encourages individuals to be patient, understanding, and willing to invest time and effort to truly understand and connect with others.

Remember, this quote is a reflection of someone's perspective or experience rather than a universal truth. People's motivations for building walls can vary greatly, and it's important to respect personal boundaries and engage in open and honest communication to foster meaningful connections.