Cities Quote by Maeve Brennan
“New York does nothing for those of us who are inclined to love her except implant in our hearts a homesickness that baffles us until we go away from her, and then we realize why we are restless. At home or away, we are homesick for New York not because New York used to be better and not because she used to be worse but because the city holds us and we don't know why.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “New York” in The New Yorker, 1955
The writer describes an inexplicable, deep longing for New York that persists whether at home or away, rooted in an emotional bond with the city.
In simple terms: Unexplained homesickness for New York.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge and explore your city attachment.
Themes
homesickness
city love
identity
longing
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
literary
personal
When to use this quote
- relocating
- travel
- urban planning
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
urban attachment
place identity
nostalgia
Questions to Reflect On
- Why does the city hold you?
- How does this longing shape your choices?
A Different Perspective
Homesickness may mask other personal issues.
![“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)
