Being human is itself difficult, and therefore all kinds of settlements (except dream cities) have problems. Big cities have difficulties in abundance, because they have people in abundance.
Jane JacobsRead
Whenever and wherever societies have flourished and prospered rather than stagnated and decayed, creative and workable cities have been at the core of the phenomenon. Decaying cities, declining economies, and mounting social troubles travel together. The combination is not coincidental.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Thriving societies are often centered around vibrant cities, whereas decaying cities contribute to societal decline.
Jane Jacobs emphasizes the vital role that cities play in the prosperity of societies. She argues that successful and dynamic cities are fundamental to societal flourishing, while deteriorating urban areas are closely linked to economic downturns and social issues, highlighting the interconnectedness of urban health and overall societal well-being.
Themes
CitiesSocietyProsperityUrbanDeclineCreativeEconomy
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about urban renewal, you could quote Jane Jacobs to highlight the importance of vibrant cities.
More from Jane Jacobs
All quotes →It may be that we have become so feckless as a people that we no longer care how things do work, but only what kind of quick, easy outer impression they give. If so, there is little hope for our cities or probably for much else in our society. But I do not think this is so.
Jane JacobsRead
Streets and their sidewalks-the main public places of a city-are its most vital organs.
Jane JacobsRead
(The psuedoscience of planning seems almost neurotic in its determination to imitate empiric failure and ignore empiric success.)
Jane JacobsRead
This is what a city is, bits and pieces that supplement each other and support each other.
Jane JacobsRead
This is something everyone knows: A well-used city street is apt to be a safe street. A deserted city street is apt to be unsafe.
Jane JacobsRead
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