Air Quote by Evelyn Waugh
![“For in that city [New York] there is neurosis in the air which the inhabitants mistake for energy.” quote by Evelyn Waugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d0a/evelyn-waugh-850_air_for-in-that-city-new-york-there-is-neuro_1048955.jpg)
“For in that city [New York] there is neurosis in the air which the inhabitants mistake for energy.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Vile Bodies, 1930
The city's atmosphere feels pathological, yet people interpret it as vitality.
In simple terms: City life feels sick but is seen as lively.
Key Takeaway
Recognize true health vs. false excitement.
Themes
urban life
psychology
misinterpretation
Mood
anxious
observational
Type
cultural
social commentary
When to use this quote
- commuting
- office work
- nightlife
- social events
Key Concepts
neurosis
energy perception
social anxiety
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you ever mistake stress for excitement?
- How can you tell genuine energy from underlying tension?
A Different Perspective
The claim may overgeneralize a city's diverse experiences.
![“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)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)