Skip to content

Unless you were high up in a building or happened to…

“Unless you were high up in a building or happened to glimpse it at the end of one of the big avenues going east-west, all you knew of the sunset was a darkening in the air. No wonder people in New York were so unbalanced. They were totally untouched by the rhythms of nature. You were only aware of…” quote by Susan Minot
Download Open image
““Unless you were high up in a building or happened to glimpse it at the end of one of the big avenues going east-west, all you knew of the sunset was a darkening in the air. No wonder people in New York were so unbalanced. They were totally untouched by the rhythms of nature. You were only aware of nature when something extreme happened, like a snowstorm or heatwave.””

Susan Minot

About This Quote

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

Urban life disconnects people from natural rhythms, making them notice nature only during extreme events.

In simple terms: City dwellers miss everyday nature, noticing it only in extremes.

Key Takeaway

Seek regular contact with nature despite city life.

Themes

urbanization nature disconnection perception mentalhealth

Mood

contemplative nostalgic

Type

observational inspirational

When to use this quote

  • daily walks in parks
  • window gardening
  • seasonal festivals
  • mindful breathing outdoors

Key Concepts

environmental psychology sensory adaptation cultural isolation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can cities embed nature into daily life?
  • What habits keep you attuned to subtle natural changes?
A Different Perspective

Not all city residents feel detached; some integrate nature daily.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Susan Minot

Explore all 61 Susan Minot quotes

More Nyc quotes

Browse all 81 Nyc quotes