Foreword
Cities are, by virtue of being composed of living Humans, alive themselves. This was demonstrated by comparing Cities to the 7 Characteristics of Life in the first part of this mini series. In the second part we will shift the focus from the physiology to the psychology of Cities. (more…)
Humans have a curious tendency to regard and speak of Cities as if they were a single entity, or even alive. A closer look can explain that tendency, as resemblances between Humans and Cities are multiple and strong. Like Humans, Cities have clearly defined limits in space, purposes (such as resource exploitation or political governance), they have their own character, and most importantly they have their own names. Every community, from town to city, has its own vibe, spirit, or character that is created or perceived by inhabitants and tourists, which, like any individual, make it unique. Like peoples, communal identities are shaped and influenced by the history and the experiences of the community, which in turn influence the identities of the individuals living within its bosom. This is a symbiotic relationship that is witnessed in all communities whatever the size, and indeed is the very premise behind culture. (more…)
I remember a quiet suburb surrounded by a nice forest and a relative natural silence, the kind that can’t be found there anymore. I still remember the kitchen that I would run around in, and remember playing on the driveway of that first home. Then, my family tree grew: sister was born, and we moved to a new house further from town.
Down the main road that brought us to the intersection with lights, cars, and people were a few shaded homes, rolling fields that would grow grass and flowers, or sometimes crops. I recall the forest along this road that stretched around the fields. One morning when my sister could toddle and I was getting rides to my early years of school, I noticed an abandoned barn that had the roof caved in. I had seen it before, but now it was changing in appearance. I noticed a young sprouting tree, making the most of the rain-time and sunshine pouring in from the caved roof, planting its young roots in life just like me. (more…)
Negativity: The Lowest Common Denominator
The message of negativity seems far more present in our society than the message of love. Hollywood spews violence galore, strangers ignore each other, and strong friendships are a rare commodity. I believe this is caused in part by a common model for socializing taken too far. More precisely, I am thinking about talking with strangers. (more…)
Julien Dupont 