--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: As far as population size goes, big is no…" description: "\"As far as population size goes, big is no longer important, and it can even be a drawback. In fact, the future belongs more to second-tier cities. Any ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/87b/charles-landry-34608_ability_as-far-as-population-size-goes-big-is-no_1582767.jpg" --- # As far as population size goes, big is no longer… ![“As far as population size goes, big is no longer important, and it can even be a drawback. In fact, the future belongs more to second-tier cities. Any place can become a world-class center today by finding an area in which it outperforms others, by thinking for the long term, by expanding its…” quote by Charles Landry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/87b/charles-landry-34608_ability_as-far-as-population-size-goes-big-is-no_1582767.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/87b/charles-landry-34608_ability_as-far-as-population-size-goes-big-is-no_1582767.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/87b/charles-landry-34608_ability_as-far-as-population-size-goes-big-is-no_1582767.jpg) > “As far as population size goes, big is no longer important, and it can even be a drawback. In fact, the future belongs more to second-tier cities. Any place can become a world-class center today by finding an area in which it outperforms others, by thinking for the long term, by expanding its competitive abilities and by operating globally.” [Charles Landry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-landry/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Cities succeed by focusing on unique strengths, long‑term thinking, and global reach rather than sheer size. **In simple terms:** Small cities can become world‑class by leveraging niche advantages. Key Takeaway Identify and develop your city’s distinctive competitive edge. Themes urban development competition globalization strategic planning regional growth Mood optimistic strategic inspirational Type analytical visionary When to use this quote - regional policy making - investment attraction - tourism development - technology hubs - education centers Key Concepts city planning economic geography innovation ecosystems comparative advantage Questions to Reflect On - What unique strength can your city amplify? - How can you foster long‑term global competitiveness? A Different Perspective Size alone does not guarantee prosperity; other factors matter. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ability](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ability/) [Cities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cities/) [City](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/city/) [Class](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/class/) [Facts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/facts/) [Long term](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/long-term/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Today](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/today/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [If you think broadly about business, population size is a very important factor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/borje-ekholm/if-you-think-broadly-about-business-population-size-is-a-very/) [Borje Ekholm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/borje-ekholm/) > [The human population can no longer be allowed to grow in the same old uncontrollable way. If we do not take charge of our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-attenborough/the-human-population-can-no-longer-be-allowed-to-grow-in-the-same-old/) [David Attenborough](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-attenborough/) > [The most important benefit of population size and growth is the increase it brings to the stock of useful knowledge. Minds matter economically as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julian-simon/the-most-important-benefit-of-population-size-and-growth-is-the/) [Julian Simon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julian-simon/) > [The usefulness of mathematics in furthering the sciences is commonly acknowledged: but outside the ranks of the experts there is little inquiry into its…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herbert-turnbull/the-usefulness-of-mathematics-in-furthering-the-sciences-is-commonly/) Herbert Turnbull > [“Evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of any relationship is your responsibility. You do not have to passively accept what is brought to you. 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It needs neighborhoods vibrating with energy just as much as cozy little corners and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-landry/contradictions-most-of-all-a-balance-between-chaos-and-order-it-needs/) [Charles Landry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-landry/) > [I like what Barcelona is doing. This city almost perfectly combines its natural advantages with cultural attractions, IT parks and first-rate educational opportunities. The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-landry/i-like-what-barcelona-is-doing-this-city-almost-perfectly-combines/) [Charles Landry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-landry/) > [In a city like London, the fact that cultures live together and cross-fertilize is a beautiful and natural thing. 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Such an architecturally impressive building is built somewhere in the world…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-landry/hamburg-is-getting-a-new-symbol-with-its-new-elbe-philharmonic/) [Charles Landry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-landry/) > [Detroit is an urban hell. But even in this city of the dying auto industry, there is reason to hope, if they manage to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-landry/detroit-is-an-urban-hell-but-even-in-this-city-of-the-dying-auto/) [Charles Landry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-landry/) > [Some remain great cities, but they shouldn't stand still. They should move in the direction of a knowledge-oriented society. 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