First in violence, deepest in dirt, lawless, unlovely, ill-smelling, irreverent, new; an overgrown gawk of a - village, the "tough" among cities, a spectacle for the nation.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the chaotic and often unappealing aspects of a city that embodies toughness amidst societal challenges.
Lincoln Steffens describes a city that starkly represents the struggles and raw realities of urban life. By using vivid imagery and contrasting adjectives, he captures the essence of a place that is marred by violence and neglect yet possesses a unique character that stands out in the national landscape. The description signifies a reality that, despite its flaws, is vibrant and noteworthy, offering insights into the complexities of urban existence.
In practice
In a discussion about urban development, one might quote this to illustrate the gritty reality of some cities.
Whenever anything extraordinary is done in American municipal politics, whether for good or for evil, you can trace it almost invariably to one man. The people do not do it. Neither do the 'gangs,' 'combines,' or political parties.
Most men think graft a sporadic evil, breaking out here and there, with no connection between outbreaks. I shared the same opinion, but very soon I discovered that the graft in the cities always leads to the graft in the State.
Thinking men cannot be ruled; ambitious men do not stagnate.
Dost thou know what life is, my child? Hast thou comprehended the action of those springs which produce existence? Hast thou examined thyself?
Jiva (individual soul) is the conscious ruler of this body, in whom the five life principles come into unity, and yet that very Jiva is the Atman, because all is Atman.
We all came into this world naked. The rest is all drag.
Mountains have the power to call us into their realms and there, left forever, are our friends whose great souls were longing for the heights. Do not forget the mountaineers who have not returned from the summits.
Language failed me very often, but then, the substitute for me was silence, but not violence.
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