--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There's a power struggle going on across…" description: "\"“There's a power struggle going on across Europe these days. A few cities are competing against each other to see who shall emerge as the great 21st ce..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3c6/elizabeth-gilbert-131_europe_there-s-a-power-struggle-going-on-across_2041250.jpg" --- # There's a power struggle going on across Europe these… ![“There's a power struggle going on across Europe these days. A few cities are competing against each other to see who shall emerge as the great 21st century European metropolis. Will it be London? Paris? Berlin? Zurich? Maybe Brussels, center of the young union? They all strive to outdo one another…” quote by Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3c6/elizabeth-gilbert-131_europe_there-s-a-power-struggle-going-on-across_2041250.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3c6/elizabeth-gilbert-131_europe_there-s-a-power-struggle-going-on-across_2041250.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3c6/elizabeth-gilbert-131_europe_there-s-a-power-struggle-going-on-across_2041250.jpg) > ““There's a power struggle going on across Europe these days. A few cities are competing against each other to see who shall emerge as the great 21st century European metropolis. Will it be London? Paris? Berlin? Zurich? Maybe Brussels, center of the young union? They all strive to outdo one another culturally, architecturally, politically, fiscally. But Rome, it should be said, has not bothered to join the race for status. Rome doesn't compete. Rome just watches all the fussing and striving, completely unfazed. I am inspired by the regal self-assurance of this city, so grounded and rounded, so amused and monumental, knowing she is held securely in the palm of history. I would like to be like Rome when I am an old lady.”” [Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-gilbert/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Rome exemplifies confidence by observing rather than competing, showing that lasting influence comes from steady presence, not frantic rivalry. **In simple terms:** Rome watches, not competes, staying confident. Key Takeaway Embrace steady confidence over frantic competition. Themes confidence history city identity competition legacy Mood reflective calm inspirational Type philosophical observational cultural. When to use this quote - career advancement - city planning - personal growth - leadership - cultural diplomacy Key Concepts urbanism cultural capital historical continuity Questions to Reflect On - How can you cultivate confidence without disengaging? - What does observing versus competing mean for your goals? A Different Perspective Rome’s passivity may limit proactive influence in changing times. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Europe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/europe/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Power struggle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power-struggle/) [Rome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rome/) ## Related quotes > [“London? Paris? Berlin? Zurich? Maybe Brussels, center of the young union? They all strive to outdo one another culturally, architecturally, politically, fiscally. 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