Culture Quote by Gordon Lish
““...I have come to be convinced that it is only the unbending observance of custom that sustains life in an urban circumstance.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New Yorker, “The City and the Custom”, 1998
Rigid adherence to tradition is presented as the only thing keeping urban life functional, implying flexibility is risky.
In simple terms: Custom keeps city life stable.
Key Takeaway
Question flexibility in city life.
Themes
tradition
urban life
stability
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
commentary
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- community building
- policy making
- social reform
Key Concepts
Sociology
cultural inertia
Questions to Reflect On
- How does tradition limit progress?
- When is flexibility essential?
A Different Perspective
Custom may hinder innovation and adaptation.
![“[Islam] Leaves no room of human legislation in an Islamic state, because herein all legislative functions vest in God and the only function left for Muslims lies in their observance of the God-made law.” quote by Abul A'la Maududi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/704/abul-a-la-maududi-51903_function_islam-leaves-no-room-of-human-legislatio_886.jpg)
