“Age of the City” – Ian Goldin, Tom Lee Devlin (Bloomsbury Continuum)
The Historical Significance of Cities
From the advent of the first city, Uruk, around 4500 BCE, cities have emerged as epicenters of human activity and advancement. The transformation from nomadic life was fueled by a stable climate and the development of agriculture, which enabled the accumulation of surplus food and the establishment of permanent settlements. This section of the book highlights how cities have been the birthplaces of most inventions and societal changes that have allowed for the development of complex human societies.
Ian Goldin and Tom Lee Devlin argue persuasively that without cities, the progressive civilization we know today would not exist. They weave through over six thousand years of history, demonstrating how cities have not only thrived but also faced declines that mirrored the rise and fall of empires and societies.
The Role of Cities in Modern Human Society
Today, more than half of the world’s population resides in urban areas. The concentration of people in cities has catalyzed the exchange of ideas and fostered innovations that have answered great questions and propelled human progress. The authors contest Margaret Thatcher’s famous assertion that society does not exist, arguing instead that it is precisely the interconnectedness of people within these urban societies that has propelled humanity to its greatest heights.
The Existential Threats Facing Urban Centers
“Age of the City” does not shy away from addressing the formidable challenges cities face today. It discusses the stark inequalities that urban centers amplify, the breeding and spread of diseases, as highlighted by recent pandemics, and the existential threat of climate change. Rising sea levels, storms, and droughts threaten to devastate urban landscapes, with coastal cities being particularly vulnerable. The authors emphasize the urgency of addressing these issues to safeguard our urban futures.
The Call to Action for a Sustainable Urban Future
The narrative of the book is imbued with a sense of urgency about the need for immediate action to counter these threats. Goldin and Devlin argue for a shift towards not only more equitable societies but also a more equal global community to mitigate the worst of future crises. This vision for the future resonates throughout their discussion, calling for a collective effort to reimagine and reshape our urban environments sustainably.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Age of the City
“Age of the City” is both a historical account of urban development and a clarion call for proactive engagement with the issues that cities face today. It is a seminal read for anyone interested in understanding the past, present, and future of our urban landscapes. Through a blend of historical analysis and forward-looking proposals, Goldin and Devlin provide a roadmap for preserving the vibrancy and viability of our cities in the face of looming challenges.
The book not only enriches our understanding of the pivotal role of cities in human development but also underscores the critical need for strategic and inclusive urban planning to ensure the survival of cities and, by extension, human society itself.
