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The great city is that which has the greatest man or woman: if it be a few ragged huts, it is still the greatest city in the whole world.
Walt Whitman
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Interpretation

What this quote means

A great city is defined by the greatness of its people, not its physical structures.

Walt Whitman's quote emphasizes the idea that the true value of a city lies in the quality and character of its inhabitants rather than its size or wealth. Even if a city has humble beginnings or is made up of simple shelters, it can be considered the greatest if its people are of high moral and ethical standards, showcasing the importance of human values over materialistic measures.

Themes

CityGreatnessPeopleValuesCommunity

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about urban development, one might quote this to highlight the importance of nurturing community spirit over merely constructing buildings.

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