Human race Quote by Italo Calvino
““And I see the houses of the human race perched on the edge of the sea, shipwrecked in their false neighborliness.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Invisible Cities, 1972
A metaphorical observation that humanity’s societies are fragile and isolated, like shipwrecks on a sea of false neighborliness.
In simple terms: Human societies are fragile and falsely friendly.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address superficial social bonds.
Themes
society
fragility
falsehood
isolation
Mood
reflective
poetic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- social policy
- community building
Key Concepts
philosophy
urban studies
metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we foster authentic community connections?
- What dangers arise from superficial neighborliness?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may overlook genuine solidarity in societies.
![“We are still tossed about by the disturbances of this life, which is like a stormy sea, where those who are not attached to J[esus] C[hrist] and the duties of their state, as was our dear departed, are shipwrecked.” quote by Vincent de Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/61a/vincent-de-paul-1676_dear_we-are-still-tossed-about-by-the-disturb_677158.jpg)
![“both the Mosaic law and the grace of the new covenant, as both fitted for the times [at which they were given], were bestowed by one and the same God for the benefit of the human race.” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2e6/the-church-fathers-1438_grace_both-the-mosaic-law-and-the-grace-of-the_10309.jpg)
