“Cities are the absence of physical space between people.”
— Paul Graham
Simplified Meaning:
Cities bring people close together in one place. Imagine you’re at a busy market: you can see lots of people walking around, standing close to each other, and talking. This crowded scene happens because cities don't have a lot of empty space between homes, shops, and offices. Instead, everything is packed closely, so people can easily meet, work, and live near each other. Living in a city means you’re likely to bump into people all the time, unlike in the countryside where houses and areas are spread out. This closeness in cities helps ideas and cultures mix more quickly. For example, if you need help with something, a city might have a specialist or friend nearby, whereas in a less crowded place, you'd have to travel far to find that help. By understanding this, you can appreciate why cities are often centers for innovation and community.