“A large city cannot be experientially understood; its life retains its mystery until we have lived in it for many generations.”

Simplified Meaning:

Living in a big city feels different from just visiting it. When you visit a large city, you might see the tall buildings, busy streets, and famous landmarks, but you won't truly understand the city. To really know what a big city is like, you need to live there for a long time, and even then, it might take your whole family living there for many years to fully grasp it. Think about New York City. Many people visit and see places like Times Square and Central Park. But only people who have lived there for years can understand the unique way of life, the rhythm of the city, the local traditions, and the hidden spots only the locals know. It's like a family recipe passed down through generations; it took many years to perfect. If you want to truly understand a large city, you need to immerse yourself in it, become part of the community, and invest time. You can apply this idea to your life by remembering that some things take time to fully appreciate and understand. Whether it's living in a new place, learning a new skill, or getting to know someone, patience and long-term commitment can reveal deeper insights and a richer experience.