Here was my city, immense, overpowering, flooded with energy and light... The world, at that moment , opened before me, challenging me, beckoning me, demanding something of me that it would take more than a lifetime to give, but raising all my energies by its own vivid promise to a higher pitch.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker feels overwhelmed by the power and potential of their city, which inspires them to give their best effort despite the enormity of the challenge.
- In plain terms
- My city is so powerful it pushes me to work harder than ever before.
- What can you take from it?
- Let your environment inspire you to reach your highest potential.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does your environment shape your ambitions?
- What demands does your city make on you?
Another view
The quote assumes the environment is positive, which may not always be true.
More from Lewis Mumford
Traditionalists are pessimists about the future and optimists about the past.
Permalink to quote #8 The clock, not the steam-engine, is the key-machine of the modern industrial age.
Permalink to quote #10 I would die happy if I knew that on my tombstone could be written these words, 'This man was an absolute fool. None of the disastrous things that he reluctantl…
Permalink to quote #7
Related quotes
My nature is that I have to excite myself with a big challenge.
Garry KasparovGarry Kasparov quote #1 This has always been a motto of mine: Attempt the impossible in order to improve your work.
Bette DavisBette Davis quote #62 I love those who yearn for the impossible.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheJohann Wolfgang von Goethe quote #80