Cities Quote by Italo Calvino
““With cities, it is as with dreams: everything imaginable can be dreamed, but even the most unexpected dream is a rebus that conceals a desire or, its reverse, a fear. Cities, like dreams, are made of desires and fears, even if the thread of their discourse is secret, their rules are absurd, their perspectives deceitful, and everything conceals something else.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino, 1972
Cities mirror dreams: they embody hidden desires and fears, with absurd rules and deceptive perspectives concealing deeper meanings.
In simple terms: Cities are like dreams, revealing hidden wishes and anxieties.
Key Takeaway
Explore the underlying motives shaping urban life.
Themes
urbanism
psychology
dreams
Mood
curious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- city planning
- creative writing
- personal analysis
Key Concepts
symbolism
desire
fear
absurdity
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden desire drives your perception of a city?
- How do fears shape your urban experiences?
A Different Perspective
Cities can be oversimplified, ignoring complex socio-political realities.
![“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)
