Cities Quote by Jane Jacobs
““There is a widespread belief that americans hate cities. I think it is probable that Americans hate city failure, but, from the evidence, we certainly do not hate successful and vital city areas. On the contrary, so many people want to make use of such places, so many people want to work in them or live in them or visit in them, that municipal self-destruction ensues. In killing successful diversity combinations with money, we are employing perhaps our nearest equivalent to killing with kindness.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs, 1961
People claim Americans dislike cities, but actually they resent failing urban areas; success draws people, leading to overuse and self‑destruction.
In simple terms: Americans hate failing cities, not thriving ones.
Key Takeaway
Preserve and balance urban vitality.
Themes
urban planning
social dynamics
city life
Mood
concerned
critical
Type
analytical
observational
When to use this quote
- city revitalization
- community development
- policy making
- urban design
Key Concepts
public space
gentrification
urban decay
collective behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we protect thriving neighborhoods from self‑destruction?
- What policies balance growth with sustainability?
A Different Perspective
Success can breed overuse and decline if not managed.
![“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)
