Determination Quote by Jane Jacobs
“(The psuedoscience of planning seems almost neurotic in its determination to imitate empiric failure and ignore empiric success.)”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Death and Life of Great American Cities, 1961
Planning can become a rigid, obsessive mimicry of failure while ignoring real successes.
In simple terms: Over‑planning can repeat mistakes and miss successes.
Key Takeaway
Balance planning with empirical learning.
Themes
planning
science
failure
success
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- urban design
- project management
- policy making
Key Concepts
methodology
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you incorporate real data into planning?
- What successes are you overlooking?
A Different Perspective
Rigid plans may stifle creativity.
