Skip to content

Feels Quote by Eric Weiner

“That's why we feel so disoriented, irritated even, when these touchstones from our past are altered. We don't like it when our hometown changes, even in small ways. It's unsettling. The playground! It used to be right here, I swear. Mess with our hometown, and you're messing with our past, with…” quote by Eric Weiner
Download Open image
“That's why we feel so disoriented, irritated even, when these touchstones from our past are altered. We don't like it when our hometown changes, even in small ways. It's unsettling. The playground! It used to be right here, I swear. Mess with our hometown, and you're messing with our past, with who we are. Nobody likes that.”

Eric Weiner

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Unbearable Lightness of Home, Eric Weiner, 2015

Changes to familiar places feel disorienting because they disrupt our personal history and sense of identity.

In simple terms: Altering hometowns unsettles our sense of self.

Key Takeaway

Preserve cherished landmarks.

Themes

nostalgia identity change

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

cultural social

When to use this quote

  • relocating
  • renovating neighborhoods
  • preserving historic sites
  • community activism

Key Concepts

psychology of place urban development

Questions to Reflect On

  • What aspects of a place define your identity?
  • How can communities balance progress with heritage?
A Different Perspective

People may resist change even when it improves safety or functionality.

3.2 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Eric Weiner

Explore all 194 Eric Weiner quotes

More Feels quotes

Browse all 37,392 Feels quotes