Bumps Quote by John D. MacDonald
“New York is where it is going to begin, I think. You can see it coming. The insect experts have learned how it works with locusts. Until locust population reaches a certain density, they all act like any grasshoppers. When the critical point is reached, they turn savage and swarm, and try to eat the world. We're nearing a critical point. One day soon two strangers will bump into each other at high noon in the middle of New York. But this time they won't snarl and go on. They will stop and stare and then leap at each others”
About This Quote
Societal change can be likened to locust swarms: gradual buildup leads to sudden, overwhelming transformation.
In simple terms: Society can change suddenly after a tipping point.
Key Takeaway
Watch for early signs of change.
Themes
change
society
critical mass
Mood
foreboding
reflective
Type
analytical
warning
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- policy making
- social movements
Key Concepts
ecology
metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- What signs indicate an approaching tipping point?
- How can we prepare for rapid societal shifts?
A Different Perspective
Predicting the exact moment of change is difficult.
![“The dividing line [between friends and acquaintances] is communication, I think. A friend is someone to whom you can say any jackass thing that enters your mind. With acquaintances, you are forever aware of their slightly unreal image of you, and to keep them content, you edit yourself to fit…” quote by John D. MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/955/john-d-macdonald-8277_acquaintance_the-dividing-line-between-friends-and-ac_444661.jpg)
![“[To] me organized religion, the formalities and routines, [is] like being marched in formation to look at a sunset.” quote by John D. MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aa3/john-d-macdonald-8277_formality_to-me-organized-religion-the-formalities_483678.jpg)
