Cities Quote by Arnold J. Toynbee
“The immense cities lie basking on the beaches of the continent like whales that have taken to the land.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "A Study of History", 1934
Great cities dominate coastlines like massive creatures, illustrating humanity's scale and impact.
In simple terms: Cities dominate coasts like whales.
Key Takeaway
Recognize humanity's environmental footprint.
Themes
urbanization
environment
scale
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
historical
observational
When to use this quote
- coastal planning
- urban development
- environmental policy
Key Concepts
geography
civilization studies
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do we have to coastal ecosystems?
- How can cities coexist with nature?
A Different Perspective
Metaphor may oversimplify complex urban dynamics.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
