Cities Quote by Walter Lippmann
“Robinson Crusoe, the self-sufficient man, could not have lived in New York city.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Spirit of Democracy, 1942
Self-reliance thrives in isolation; urban life demands interdependence, making true self-sufficiency impossible.
In simple terms: Self-sufficiency works alone, not in cities.
Key Takeaway
Adapt self-reliance to collaborative settings.
Themes
individualism
urban life
interdependence
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- rural living
- urban planning
- personal finance
Key Concepts
economics
social theory
environmental adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- Can self-sufficiency be redefined for modern society?
- What balance works best?
A Different Perspective
City life offers resources that reduce need for total independence.
![“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)
