Old world Quote by Robert D. Kaplan
““No, this architecture in Council Bluffs and Omaha, this whole deeply embedded psychology of the use of space, simply conveys that there is a lot of it. There is no need to make things smaller. That is the American condition, a source of its optimism and its unfriendliness to elites and aristocracies of all kinds, which requires constraints on space in order to increase the value of their land - which then affords them their social position. This was a crucial difference between the Old World and the New. Virtually unlimited space is the essence of the frontier mentality.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Revenge of Geography (2012) by Robert D. Kaplan
American abundance of space fuels optimism and a disdain for elite constraints, shaping a frontier mindset distinct from the Old World.
In simple terms: Space abundance drives optimism and anti‑elitism.
Key Takeaway
Value openness and avoid unnecessary restrictions.
Themes
optimism
space
frontier mentality
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
non‑fiction
political
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- policy making
- national identity
Key Concepts
geography
political culture
social hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does space affect social equality?
- Can limits improve community cohesion?
A Different Perspective
Excessive space can also lead to wasteful sprawl.
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