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My husband was a hospital architect and he was working on…

“My husband was a hospital architect and he was working on some hospitals in Alberta, and I told him to try to find out what they thought about separatism. He would come back on weekends. He said "well, I think I found out how they feel about separatism. I brought it up at lunch in the cafeteria…” quote by Jane Jacobs
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“My husband was a hospital architect and he was working on some hospitals in Alberta, and I told him to try to find out what they thought about separatism. He would come back on weekends. He said "well, I think I found out how they feel about separatism. I brought it up at lunch in the cafeteria, and everybody at the table was silent and then somebody said 'Let's change the subject'."”

Jane Jacobs

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A humorous anecdote showing how people avoid discussing controversial topics in casual settings.

In simple terms: People dodge uncomfortable subjects.

Key Takeaway

Be aware of social avoidance.

Themes

communication politics social dynamics

Mood

wry observational

Type

anecdotal humorous

When to use this quote

  • office lunch
  • family gatherings
  • public forums
  • political debates

Key Concepts

conformity silence groupthink

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you handle controversial topics?
  • What signals indicate avoidance?
A Different Perspective

Avoidance can prevent genuine dialogue.

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