Business Quote by John Lanchester
“The City is, in terms of its basic functioning, a far-off country of which we know little.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The City & the City by China Miéville, 2009
The city functions like a distant, unfamiliar country, highlighting how urban life can feel alien and unknown.
In simple terms: Cities can feel foreign despite familiarity.
Key Takeaway
Explore the unknown in familiar places.
Themes
urban alienation
perception
cultural distance
Mood
curious
analytical
Type
literary
social
When to use this quote
- travel
- urban planning
- immigration
- cultural integration
Key Concepts
sociology
psychology of space
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your city feel to you?
- What makes a place feel foreign?
A Different Perspective
Over‑emphasis on alienation may ignore community bonds.
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