People I (Mostly) Admire
44. Edward Glaeser Explains Why Some Cities Thrive While Others Fade Away
Sep 11, 2021
Edward Glaeser, a Harvard professor renowned for his expertise in urban economics and author of "Triumph of the City," delves into what makes cities thrive. He compares the surprising functionality of Mumbai’s slums to the empty luxury housing in China. Glaeser also discusses historical urban challenges, including how cities are resilient against pandemics. The conversation touches on the intricate relationship between local policies, education, and economic prospects, offering captivating insights into the anatomy of urban success and decline.
46:08
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Cities have survived and overcome larger crises than COVID-19 and remote work, highlighting their resilience.
- Cities serve as catalysts for human progress, enabling collaboration, learning, and the generation of new ideas.
Deep dives
The Role of Cities and Urban Life
In this podcast episode, Ed Glazer, a Harvard professor and economist of cities, discusses the importance and resilience of cities. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of remote work, Glazer points out that cities have survived and overcome larger crises in history. He believes that while the pandemic and remote work may impact individual cities differently, the overall urban life and face-to-face contact are not entirely diminished or irrelevant. Glazer emphasizes the significance of cities in fostering connections, collaboration, and innovation throughout history.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
