America Quote by Jane Jacobs
“I don't think that you can dispose of the constructive and inventive things that America is doing - and say, "Oh we aren't doing anything anymore and we are living off of what the poor Chinese do." It is more complicated than that. There is the example of Detroit which was once a very prosperous and diverse city. And look what happened when it just specialized on automobiles. Look at Manchester when it specialized in those dark satanic mills, when it specialized in textiles. It was supposed to be the city of the future.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Death and Life of Great American Cities, 1961
Economic specialization can weaken cities, leading to decline; diversified economies foster resilience.
In simple terms: Cities need varied industries to thrive.
Key Takeaway
Promote economic diversity.
Themes
urban planning
economics
diversification
resilience
industrial policy
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
urban
economic
When to use this quote
- city governance
- business strategy
- education programs
- investment decisions
Key Concepts
creative destruction
regional development
social equity
Questions to Reflect On
- What sectors could a city diversify into?
- How to balance specialization with resilience?
A Different Perspective
Specialization can create short‑term gains but long‑term vulnerability.
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
