"We have to distrust each other. It is our only defense against betrayal"

This quote by Tennessee Williams speaks with the idea that in order to secure ourselves from being betrayed, we should be wary of trusting others. It suggests that we should not take individuals at stated value, and instead beware and suspicious of those around us. This is a pessimistic outlook on human relationships, as it indicates that we can not rely on anyone, even those closest to us. It is a reminder that we must understand our own vulnerability and take actions to secure ourselves from being benefited from. Eventually, this quote works as a cautioning to be conscious of our own security and to be careful of those around us.