8 quotes
Urban civilization is warring civilization.
The Meaning of the City (1951)
Cain has built a city. For God's Eden he substitutes his own, for the goal given to his life by God, he substitutes a goal chosen by himself.
The Meaning of the City (1951)
Man's power is first of all the result of hardening his heart against God: man affirms that he is strong, conquers the world, and builds cities.
The Meaning of the City (1951)
"Righteous Abel," says Matthew [23:34-45]. What luck! So there is a righteous race! No such thing: Abel dies leaving no children, a fact full of meaning. He is unable to transmit his righteousness.
The Meaning of the City (1951)
The first builder of a city was Cain.
The Meaning of the City (1951)
The social group which the city represents is so strong that it draws men into sin which is hardly personal to them, but from which they cannot dissociate themselves even if they so desire. Individual virtues are engulfed by the sin of the city.
The Meaning of the City (1951)
Cain is completely dissatisfied with the security granted to him by God, and so he searches out his own security. ... He will satisfy his desire for eternity by producing children, and he will satisfy his desire for security by creating a place belonging to him, a city.
The Meaning of the City (1951)
The city is not just a collection of ramparts with houses, but also a spiritual power. ... It is capable of directing and changing a man's spiritual life. It brings its power to bear in him and changes his life.
The Meaning of the City (1951)