September 4, 2026
Why cities is a split question; elided is “Why (do) cities (come to exist)?” or “Why (should) one live in a city?”. By answering the former, we may find a better path to understanding the latter. Our modern view of cities is colored by the suburban alternative; historically, the choice was urban/rural in the most primitive state without fixed location at all. Generally, a fixed location allows for some prominence; it is easier to accumulate material when one is not on the move. One may be able to build defenses and ensure their security as well, provided a constant source of energy. Early rural settlements allowed for safety.
Dunbar’s number is cited as a reason to stay in this state—that we can only maintain ~150 connections at any time. However, it is not guaranteed that one gets along with everyone else in an area, necessitating larger communities and/or the exchange of people. From here, we must provide for more, which either involves increasing cropland adjacent to the city or importing it. With the latter, an exchange of ideas is opened such that people desire items from other areas, refining rudimentary trade. And as some gain a taste for new ideas and experiences, trade in these as well. This access increases demand to live in a certain area! After a threshold, a feedback loop. Given the assortative nature of friendship, cities provide access to more people = permutations such that there is a higher chance of the similar finding each other. It is easier to find rare things in a large city due to a larger variety. And thus, there is born out of want.
And, to live in a city is to have access to these immaterial goods. There will be something available for everyone, a group which each may belong to, and so as drawn to a large city for a less varied experience of being able to live out on the opportunity which we have shaped given the beginning of civilization that we may better find our place.