Skip to content

London Quote by John Kenneth Galbraith

“The Metropolis should have been aborted long before it became New York, London or Tokyo.” quote by John Kenneth Galbraith
Download Open image
“The Metropolis should have been aborted long before it became New York, London or Tokyo.”

John Kenneth Galbraith

About This Quote

Source Book: The Affluent Society, John Kenneth Galbraith, 1958

The quote critiques megacities, suggesting they should have been prevented before becoming major global hubs.

In simple terms: Big cities are problematic and perhaps should not exist.

Key Takeaway

Question the sustainability of massive urban growth.

Themes

urbanization policy environment economics

Mood

critical analytical

Type

political economic

When to use this quote

  • city planning
  • environmental impact
  • economic policy

Key Concepts

megacity development central planning urban sprawl

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is growth always beneficial?
  • What alternatives exist to mega‑urbanization?
A Different Perspective

Megacities can drive inequality and strain resources.

4.5 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by John Kenneth Galbraith

Explore all 434 John Kenneth Galbraith quotes

More London quotes

Browse all 3,468 London quotes