Cities Are Culturally Influential

Cities aren’t just socially dense; they are also culturally influential. Joel Kotkin in his almost classic work, The City: A Global History, describes cities as places that are sacred, safe, and busy. They are centers of spirituality (sacred), commerce (busy), and security (safe). The strength of a city depends on the strength of these three forces—the spiritual, social, and commercial. These three forces also combine to produce culture in a city—a mix of ideas, behaviors, and products.

We should engage the city is because it is culturally influential. Cities lead their countries in creating and spreading ideas, behaviors, and products. Cities change the world through their cultural influence. Geneva is known for peacemaking, Hong Kong for exports, London and New York for financial & banking services, and Las Vegas for entertainment. Cities are incredibly influential.

Cities Change Us

Socrates said: “The country places and the trees don’t teach me anything; the people in the city do.” Cities shape us through their cultural influence. Cities are the epicenter of new ideas, trends, products, and innovation. They radiate socio-cultural change. They influence towns, villages, other cities, and the world.

Not only do men make cities, but cities make men. Cities are so powerful that they influence our beliefs and behaviors. After I moved to Austin, I became more environmentally active and organically aware. Both my recycling and my diet improved! Cities can change us without us even knowing, positively or negatively.

How are you being affected by the city? How are you affecting your city? Is it positive or negative? While cities offer much to enjoy, they also leave a lot to engage, even to renew. How are you being changed by the city? How are you changing the city?

To be continued.