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Available Quote by Aldo Leopold

“If in a city we had six vacant lots available to the youngsters of a certain neighborhood for playing ball, it might be "development" to build houses on the first, and the second, and the third, and the fourth, and even the fifth, but when we build houses on the last one, we forget what houses are…” quote by Aldo Leopold
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“If in a city we had six vacant lots available to the youngsters of a certain neighborhood for playing ball, it might be "development" to build houses on the first, and the second, and the third, and the fourth, and even the fifth, but when we build houses on the last one, we forget what houses are for.”

Aldo Leopold

About This Quote

Source Essay: A Sand County Almanac, 1949

Overdevelopment can strip spaces of its purpose, turning essential community spaces into mere structures.

In simple terms: Building too many houses forgets the true purpose of homes.

Key Takeaway

Balance development with community needs.

Themes

environment community urban planning purpose balance

Mood

reflective concerned

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • city planning
  • neighborhood design
  • public parks
  • housing policy

Key Concepts

sustainability public space social equity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we ensure new builds serve community well‑being?
  • What criteria should guide which vacant lots become housing?
A Different Perspective

Development may overlook cultural and social value of spaces.

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