Cities Quote by John McPhee
“Almost all Americans would recognize Anchorage, because Anchorage is that part of any city where the city has burst its seams and extruded Colonel Sanders.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Search for the Great American Desert, John McPhee, 1973
The quote humorously describes how a city’s expansion can feel chaotic, likening it to a fast‑food chain spilling out of its usual bounds.
In simple terms: City growth can seem messy and overrun.
Key Takeaway
Expect and manage urban sprawl.
Themes
urbanization
humor
culture
growth
sprawl
Mood
wry
observational
critical
Type
commentary
satirical
When to use this quote
- city planning
- real estate development
- tourism
- local business strategy
Key Concepts
Metaphor
satire
sociology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does rapid growth affect local culture?
- What balance should cities strike between expansion and livability?
A Different Perspective
It overlooks the benefits of economic development and community identity.
![“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)
