Cities Quote by Mario Cuomo
“A shining city is perhaps all the president sees from the portico of the White House and the veranda of his ranch, where everyone seems to be doing well. But there's another part to the shining city. In this part of the city there are more poor than ever, more families in trouble, more and more people who need help but can't find it.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: 1992 Democratic National Convention, 1992
The quote highlights the contrast between the visible prosperity of a nation and the hidden struggles of its disadvantaged citizens, urging attention to those unseen hardships.
In simple terms: Visible wealth hides deeper poverty.
Recognize and address hidden suffering.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- community outreach
- social services
- advocacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders balance optimism with realistic problem‑solving?
- What policies best bridge the gap between visible success and hidden need?
The metaphor may oversimplify complex socioeconomic factors.