--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Cities are not ordained; they are wholly…" description: "\"“Cities are not ordained; they are wholly existential. To say that a city grew “because” it was located at a good site for trading is, in view of what ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b4a/jane-jacobs-1991_city_cities-are-not-ordained-they-are-wholly_1684320.png" --- # Cities are not ordained; they are wholly existential. To… ![“Cities are not ordained; they are wholly existential. To say that a city grew “because” it was located at a good site for trading is, in view of what we can see in the real world, absurd. Few resources in this world are more common than good sites for trading but most of the settlements that form…” quote by Jane Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b4a/jane-jacobs-1991_city_cities-are-not-ordained-they-are-wholly_1684320.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b4a/jane-jacobs-1991_city_cities-are-not-ordained-they-are-wholly_1684320.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b4a/jane-jacobs-1991_city_cities-are-not-ordained-they-are-wholly_1684320.png) > ““Cities are not ordained; they are wholly existential. To say that a city grew “because” it was located at a good site for trading is, in view of what we can see in the real world, absurd. Few resources in this world are more common than good sites for trading but most of the settlements that form at these good sites do not become cities.”” [Jane Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-jacobs/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Cities develop through complex social, economic, and cultural forces, not just geographic advantage. **In simple terms:** Cities grow because of many factors, not just location. Key Takeaway Consider all influences when planning urban growth. Themes urban planning social dynamics economics geography complexity Mood analytical critical thoughtful Type analytical observational When to use this quote - city development - policy making - real estate investment - community building Key Concepts systems theory path dependence human behavior Questions to Reflect On - What non‑geographic factors most shape a city’s success? - How can planners foster those factors? A Different Perspective Location alone cannot guarantee city status; other conditions must align. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Cities Ordained](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cities-ordained-989262/) [City](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/city/) [City Grew](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/city-grew-275322/) [Grew Located](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/grew-located-989263/) [Real world](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/real-world/) [Sites Cities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sites-cities-989264/) [Trading Settlements](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trading-settlements-989265/) ## Related quotes > [Man doesn't change. He keeps his habits. Instinctively, all those people found the same corner for their kitchen. 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