Do not build fortresses to protect yourself — isolation is dangerous: the world is dangerous and enemies are everywhere — everyone has to protect themselves. A fortress seems the safest. But isolation exposes you to more dangers than it protects you from — it cuts you off from the valuable information, it makes you conspicuous and an easy target. Better to circulate among people, find allies, and mingle. You are shielded from your enemies by the crowd.
It would seem to me, that isolation exudes weakness. Hiding away like a rodent slinking about with persistent terror. There are far more sheep than wolves in the world. I believe that if a person promotes deterrence, the fear of consequences helps to eliminate potential threats. Never get even, preemptive strikes and escalations are the deterrents.