Quote by Lewis Mumford

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.

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

Summary

This quote highlights the transformative nature of cities. It suggests that the primary purpose of a city is to take raw power, energy, and materials, and through human intervention, convert them into meaningful expressions of culture, art, and social progress. Cities are regarded as platforms where abstract concepts are brought to life, fostering innovation and enabling the growth of society. This explanation emphasizes how cities have the ability to channel and harness various resources, giving rise to the dynamic and vibrant nature of urban life.

Topics

Power

By Lewis Mumford

Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.

Random Quotations

The most effective way to achieve right relations with any l

The most effective way to achieve right relations with any living thing is to look for the best in it, and then help that best into the fullest expression.

Relationships

The day when a sportsman stops thinking above all else of th

The day when a sportsman stops thinking above all else of the happiness in his own effort and the intoxication of the power and physical balance he derives from it, the day when he lets considerations of vanity or interest take over, on this day his ideal will die.

Pierre de Coubertin

Happiness

All writers have this vague hope that the elves will come in

All writers have this vague hope that the elves will come in the night and finish any stories.

Writing Writing Life Elves

A mediocre idea that guarantees enthusiasm will go further t

A mediocre idea that guarantees enthusiasm will go further than a great idea that inspires no one.

I taped my first series for PBS in 1982 at WJCT-TV in Jackso

I taped my first series for PBS in 1982 at WJCT-TV in Jacksonville, Florida. The show, called 'Everyday Cooking with Jacques Pepin,' was about saving time and money in the kitchen - and it was a celebration of simple and unpretentious food.

Food

Do not wait; the time will never be just right. Start where

Do not wait; the time will never be just right. Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.

Action(s)

Education is our greatest opportunity to give an irrevocable

Education is our greatest opportunity to give an irrevocable gift to the next generation.

Education

My films are always concerned with family, friendship, honor

My films are always concerned with family, friendship, honor, and patriotism.

Friendship

No one ever discovers the depths of his own loneliness.

No one ever discovers the depths of his own loneliness.

Georges Bernanos

Loneliness

I think what's always been interesting to me than the scienc

I think what's always been interesting to me than the science and the criminality with this job is what happens to your persona, your disposition, after day in and day out dealing with life and death.

Life Death Science

Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the childr

Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.

The truth is, the notion that gay marriage is harmful to mar

The truth is, the notion that gay marriage is harmful to marriage, is sort of mind-boggling, because these are people trying to get married. But it seems to me, if you want to defend marriage against something, defend it against divorce.

Truth People Marriage Mind