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About this quote

What does it mean?
Critiques cities lacking virtue.
In plain terms
Without wise people, a city becomes empty.
What can you take from it?
A city's value is its people.

Where it applies

  • urban critique
  • community building
  • leadership

Putting it to work

  • policy argument
  • community speech
  • editorial

Questions to consider

  • What makes a city meaningful?
  • How do you build community?

Another view

Infrastructure and culture also define a city's value.

More from Abraham Cowley

  1. The monster London laugh at me.

    Permalink to quote #16
  2. The fairest garden in her looks, And in her mind the wisest books.

    Permalink to quote #18
  3. An harmless flaming meteor shone for hair, And fell adown his shoulders with loose care.

    Permalink to quote #15

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