The Fortress Architect

An architect designed a fortress. His apprentice suggested concentrating all defenses at the main gate — the most likely point of attack.

The architect shook his head. “If I’m right about the main gate, we’re very strong. If I’m wrong, we’re defenseless elsewhere. Instead, I’ll distribute defenses so that no point is weak, even if no point is maximally strong.”

The apprentice protested. “But you’re wasting resources on walls the enemy may never attack.”

“I’m not designing for the attack I expect,” the architect replied. “I’m designing for the attack I fear.”