Triumph of the City

Another cogent name for this book would be triumph of the human ingenuity. A perspective changer, written by Edward Glaeser. As its name suggests it, emphasizes on how cities came into existence and how they serve society. It would sure be an eye opener for urban environmentalists, activists (like me) who indulge in romanticizing country side, villages, greens. India has a tradition of idealizing small independent village societies. This book very aptly explains why this view is wrong in current scenario. Surely, this book is not incisive just because it weaves its ideas around economic buzz words (concepts) viz. efficiency and productivity (which are as abstract and subjective as concept of infinity), but it is based on a strong logical plinth.

It summarizes widely analyzed views about benefits of agglomerations. How cities are in tandem with current dominating economic frameworks. If you try to fathom the thought, you will realize its decisiveness. With growing population and extensive strain on resources there is no solution other than cities, big dense metropolitan areas. While Glaeser explains dislocated ideas in environmental activism. I could remember Humfry from Yes Minister, who implies environment is for urban youth. In a nut shell carbon foot prints generate by a city are much less as compared tosmall bungalow surrounded by laurels.Costs are restoring heritage monuments are much higher than satisfaction. Obviously some monuments ought to be restored but obsession with it is futile.

It portrays slums as an efficient housing. In cities like Mumbai where property prices are exorbitant, this housing provides a way out for lower income people in city. This is true at lest in case of Mumbai and must be in case of other cities. Slums are solutions and not problems.

A must read book though written lucidly, explains ideas in a sharp manner.