Cities Quote by DJ Spooky
![“So he [Sigmund Freud] called this "the uncanny" and he also referred to cities as well, like the idea of walking through the city and the way the urban landscape could lead you to a sense of disorientation and to a kind of, you know, sense of repetition. And the way a city can unfold as you walk.” quote by DJ Spooky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/711/dj-spooky-8230_cities_so-he-sigmund-freud-called-this-the-unca_1409290.jpg)
“So he [Sigmund Freud] called this "the uncanny" and he also referred to cities as well, like the idea of walking through the city and the way the urban landscape could lead you to a sense of disorientation and to a kind of, you know, sense of repetition. And the way a city can unfold as you walk.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Uncanny City, 2015
Freud’s concept of the uncanny describes how familiar urban environments can feel strange, disorienting, and repetitive, evoking subconscious unease as one navigates the cityscape.
In simple terms: Cities can feel oddly familiar yet unsettling.
Key Takeaway
Notice and question unsettling moments in daily walks.
Themes
urban psychology
disorientation
repetition
environmental perception
Mood
uneasy
reflective
Type
observational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- commuting
- tourism
- urban planning
- art installations
- mental health therapy
Key Concepts
the uncanny
cognitive dissonance
spatial awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- What specific city details trigger your uncanny feeling?
- How does repetition affect your sense of safety?
A Different Perspective
The feeling may stem from personal memories, not just the city itself.
![“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)
