Dwarkesh Podcast

Edward Glaeser - Cities, Terrorism, Housing, & Remote Work

Nov 28, 2022
Edward Glaeser, Chair of Harvard's Economics Department, dives into the resilience of cities amidst challenges like terrorism and remote work. He discusses why Silicon Valley's future may falter while the Sunbelt thrives. Glaeser critiques Universal Basic Income in light of the opioid crisis and emphasizes the need for housing reform. The conversation also explores the impact of urban education disparities, the legacy of Robert Moses, and the importance of in-person collaboration for tech startups. A thought-provoking look at the future of urban living!
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ADVICE

Building Martian Cities

  • Create a flexible plan for Martian cities, much like the 1811 New York grid.
  • Allow for organic evolution driven by individual initiative rather than central planning.
INSIGHT

Cities and Terrorism

  • Cities are targets for terrorists due to concentrated economic activity.
  • However, they are also defensible spaces, capable of increased protection and surveillance.
INSIGHT

Declining Importance of Capital Cities

  • English offshoot colonies often located capitals remotely to prevent resource concentration.
  • This contrasts with historical capitals like Paris, which actively drew resources from the nation.
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