Cities Quote by Jane Jacobs
“Whenever and wherever societies have flourished and prospered rather than stagnated and decayed, creative and workable cities have been at the core of the phenomenon. Decaying cities, declining economies, and mounting social troubles travel together. The combination is not coincidental.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Death and Life of Great American Cities, 1961
Cities that foster creativity and functionality drive societal prosperity; neglect leads to decline and social issues.
In simple terms: Creative cities boost societies; decay harms them.
Key Takeaway
Invest in functional, creative urban design.
Themes
urban planning
societal health
creativity
economics
Mood
optimistic
concerned
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- municipal policy
- community projects
- urban revitalization
- housing reform
Key Concepts
public space design
social cohesion
economic development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can cities balance growth with equity?
- What policies prevent urban decay?
A Different Perspective
Even well‑designed cities can falter without inclusive governance.
![“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)
