Cities Quote by Jane Jacobs
“Backward cities, or younger cities, or newly forming cities in supply regions, have to develop to a great extent on one another's shoulders. This is one of the terrible things about empires.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Death and Life of Great American Cities, 1961
Cities that lag behind rely heavily on each other, creating fragile interdependence that fuels imperial strain.
In simple terms: Dependent cities strain empires.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and reduce over‑reliance.
Themes
urbanism
interdependence
imperialism
development
fragility
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
critical
observational
When to use this quote
- regional policy
- infrastructure planning
- economic diversification
Key Concepts
systems theory
regional economics
urban planning
Questions to Reflect On
- How can cities foster self‑sufficiency?
- What policies break harmful dependencies?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance can stifle local innovation.
![“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)
