Cities Quote by Jonathan Raban
“By the end of the 1980s, Seattle had taken on the dangerous lustre of a promised city. The rumour had gone out that if you had failed in Detroit you might yet succeed in Seattle - and that if you'd succeeded in Seoul, you could succeed even better in Seattle... Seattle was the coming place. So I joined the line of hopefuls.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Journey of the Soul, 1995
Seattle was seen as a new hope for those failing elsewhere, but optimism can mask underlying challenges.
In simple terms: Seattle promised success for the displaced.
Key Takeaway
Critically assess new opportunities.
Themes
migration
urban myth
hope vs reality
career moves
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- job searches
- relocation decisions
- startup culture
- urban planning
Key Concepts
economic cycles
risk
adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- What risks accompany chasing a "promised city"?
- How to evaluate real opportunities?
A Different Perspective
Over‑optimism may lead to disappointment.
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