Bus Quote by Lauren Bacall
“I spent my childhood in New York, riding on subways and buses. And you know what you learn if you're a New Yorker? The world doesn't owe you a damn thing.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: 1975 New York Times, 1975
She conveys the gritty, self‑reliant mindset of New Yorkers.
In simple terms: New Yorkers must rely on themselves.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate self‑reliance.
Themes
city life
resilience
independence
realism
Mood
cynical
pragmatic
assertive
Type
social
philosophical
When to use this quote
- job hunting
- starting a business
- navigating bureaucracy
- building confidence
Key Concepts
Urban survival
personal responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What does self‑reliance mean to you?
- How do you balance toughness with compassion?
A Different Perspective
Not everyone can thrive in such a harsh view.
![“I don't like to go into subways, because I always see them [ mice]. They are like my naguales [kindred animal spirits]. They follow me. I have literally stepped off of a plane in Phoenix and gotten my bag and stepped out on the curb and they'll be a big desert rat walking right in front of me.” quote by Sandra Cisneros](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/957/sandra-cisneros-862_animal_i-don-t-like-to-go-into-subways-because_611382.jpg)
