Quotation 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.

Advertisement

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Lewis Mumford is saying that a city’s main role is to transform raw energy and physical resources into meaningful cultural and artistic expressions. He also highlights how cities turn basic biological life processes into innovative social and creative activities.

More by this author

All quotes by Lewis Mumford →

More quotes about Power

See all →
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.

Advertisement

All things are subject to interpretation whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth.
I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be.