Lewis Mumford Quotes

A collection of quotes by Lewis Mumford.

Lewis Mumford (1895-1990) was an American historian, sociologist, philosopher, and critic. Known for his incisive observations on urban planning, technology, and architecture, Mumford is regarded as one of the most significant public intellectuals of the 20th century. Throughout his prolific career, he authored numerous influential books, including "The Culture of Cities," "Technics and Civilization," and "The City in History." With his writings, Mumford explored the interplay between humans and their environment, emphasizing the importance of creating sustainable, equitable, and human-centered urban spaces. His work remains highly influential in shaping our understanding of the built environment and its impact on society.

We have created an industrial order geared to automatism, wh

We have created an industrial order geared to automatism, where feeble-mindedness, native or acquired, is necessary for docile productivity in the factory; and where a pervasive neurosis is the final gift of the meaningless life that issues forth at the other end.

Industry

One of the functions of intelligence is to take account of t

One of the functions of intelligence is to take account of the dangers that come from trusting solely to the intelligence.

Intelligence

The artist does not illustrate science (but) he frequently r

The artist does not illustrate science (but) he frequently responds to the same interests that a scientist does.

Science

Traditionalists are pessimists about the future and optimist

Traditionalists are pessimists about the future and optimists about the past.

Future

Forget the damned motor car and build the cities for lovers

Forget the damned motor car and build the cities for lovers and friends.

Car

The chief function of the city is to convert power into form

The chief function of the city is to convert power into form, energy into culture, dead matter into the living symbols of art, biological reproduction into social creativity.

Power

A day spent without the sight or sound of beauty, the contem

A day spent without the sight or sound of beauty, the contemplation of mystery, or the search of truth or perfection is a poverty-stricken day and a succession of such days is fatal to human life.

Beauty

However far modern science and techniques have fallen short

However far modern science and techniques have fallen short of their inherent possibilities, they have taught mankind at least one lesson nothing is impossible.

Science

Life is the only art that we are required to practice withou

Life is the only art that we are required to practice without preparation, and without being allowed the preliminary trials, the failures and botches, that are essential for training.

Art

A man of courage never needs weapons, but he may need bail.

A man of courage never needs weapons, but he may need bail.

Courage

Without fullness of experience, length of days is nothing. W

Without fullness of experience, length of days is nothing. When fullness of life has been achieved, shortness of days is nothing. That is perhaps why the young have usually so little fear of death they live by intensities that the elderly have forgotten.

Death

Restore human legs as a means of travel. Pedestrians rely on

Restore human legs as a means of travel. Pedestrians rely on food for fuel and need no special parking facilities.

Food

Our national flower is the concrete cloverleaf.

Our national flower is the concrete cloverleaf.

Funny