Title: Survival of the City: The Future of Urban Life in an Age of Isolation
ISBN: 9780593297704
Authors: Edward Glaeser and David Cutler
Publisher: Penguin USA (US)
Publication year: 2022
Price: RM64.95 (online price), RM58.45 (Kinokuniya Privilege Card Member price)
If people and businesses conclude that they are more productive from home, we could well see cities break apart. Rich people will live with other rich people in Zoom-friendly enclaves. Middle-class people will do the same, albeit in less luxurious surroundings. And poor people will inherit what is left of downtowns.
In this book, the authors, who are also two renowned economists, explore the future of urban life in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
They argue that cities have historically survived and thrived through plagues and pandemics, and that they will continue to do so in the future.
They also highlight the benefits of urban living, such as job opportunities, cultural diversity, and innovation, while also acknowledging the challenges cities face, including social inequality and environmental degradation.
The book offers a compelling and thought-provoking analysis of the challenges facing cities today and offers a hopeful vision for how they can adapt and thrive in the years to come.
A closer look
Glaeser and Cutler begin by examining the history of cities and their role in human civilisation. They argue that cities have always been the engines of economic growth and innovation, and that this will continue to be true in the future. However, they also acknowledge the unique challenges facing cities in the 21st century, from rising inequality to the threat of pandemics.
One of the book’s most compelling arguments is that cities are uniquely suited to solving the biggest challenges facing humanity today. Glaeser and Cutler argue that cities offer unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and creativity. They also make the case that cities are more resilient than many people believe, and that they can adapt and thrive even in the face of significant challenges.
Throughout the book, Glaeser and Cutler draw on a wide range of data and research to support their arguments. They use case studies from cities around the world to illustrate the benefits of urban life, and they provide detailed analyses of the economic and social factors that make cities successful.
The river of white space
One of the book’s strengths is its accessibility. Despite dealing with complex economic and social issues, Glaeser and Cutler write in a clear and engaging style that makes the book accessible to a wide audience. They also use anecdotes and real-world examples to bring their arguments to life, making the book both informative and entertaining.
However, there are moments when the book feels overly optimistic. While Glaeser and Cutler acknowledge the challenges facing cities, they sometimes gloss over the difficulties that will need to be addressed in order for cities to thrive in the future. They also tend to focus on the positive aspects of urban life while downplaying the negatives, such as crime and pollution.
Overall, this a compelling and thought-provoking read. It offers a hopeful vision for the future of urban life, and it provides concrete recommendations for how cities can adapt to the challenges they face. While the book may not address all the complexities of urban life, it is an important contribution to the conversation about the future of our cities.
Three types of readers who would enjoy this book:
Urban planners and policymakers who are interested in shaping the future of cities and promoting sustainable urban development.
Sociologists and anthropologists who study urbanisation and its impact on society and culture.
General readers who are curious about the future of urban life and want to understand the pros and cons of living in cities.
Food for thought
In the chill of January 2012, a literary masterpiece burst forth from the nimble pen of Glaeser — “Triumph of the City: How Our Greatest Invention Makes Us Richer, Smarter, Greener, Healthier, and Happier”.
Glaeser’s earlier work extolled the countless advantages of urban living, from the boundless economic opportunities to the effervescent cultural scene and the invigorating social fabric.
And now, in “Survival of the City: The Future of Urban Life in an Age of Isolation”, Glaeser ingeniously connects the dots of our collective evolution as a species, mapping out a path forward that is both hopeful and practical.
It’s a paradoxical pleasure to read a book that so deftly captures the complexity of our modern world, and Glaeser’s prose is a testament to the timeless beauty of elegant simplicity.
