New York, 5th Avenue
Amsterdam, Bombay, New York, Bangalore, Paris.. What is it about these "big" cities that makes them special? You feel the pulse and the energy the moment you are out on the streets. What is the single, most important feeling that you get?
Freedom. Independence.
People, most often, go to the cities with dreams and aspirations. Of livin their life and building one of their own. And cities, with their cosmopolitain culture and collective drive, nurture such dreams and passions. You end up believing you can work and achieve your goals, and you set higher standards for yourself. Walking down the broadway streets inspire you. You look at people walking around, you feel the determination, joy, and sense of achievement.
But what is freedom and independence when you have not earned it? It is like money you get for free. You dont know how to cherish it or enjoy it. You dont use it responsibly.
As an Aquarian, freedom and independence are central in my life. And I wish every human spirit the liberty and luxury of being free, the way God meant it to be. If you dont have it yet, may God bless you with it. If you have it, remember it is everything in life and live it well.
6 comments:
Aren't people in cities, victims of consumerism?
Aren't the lifestyle diseases the toast of present times? Read somewhere that the business of these medicines are worth $4 bn only US.
Aren't the poor covered up knowingly by all the media that is around you and show only the glossy images?
Aren't the crimes mostly happen in these cities?
Aren't some of these big cities poorly planned?
Aren't there who doesn't even have homes and the slums are bigger than even some villages and they are being evicted for shopping complexes and malls?
Aren't these cities still not safe for some sections of the society, especially women?
Aren't we still fighting in the name of God,because we have different versions of him which we are using meaninglessly to fight with each other?
So do we still have the Freedom and the Independence and do these cities represent them to the fullest?
Sorry for the cynical views. I didn't intend to spoil the post. I was just giving the other side and to have a balanced take on the same.
I hope I didn't spoil your mood on a lovely Sunday. :)
@ emmanuel - no place represents independence and freedom the way you have put it..not even our homes if you dissect it so much. nonetheless i can defend these cities for what they are, and counter most of your points. but this blog is not a platform for that; its mainly a photoblog with personal views.
yet, i think the latter part of my thoughts clearly differentiate about how the manner in which we use the freedom and space we get matters.
i was writing about the energy and drive these cities represent and we imbibe when we travel to these cities. i certainly feel it, and thats what i have written about. i enjoy traveling and love the energy.
Very thoughtful post. Agree with you every way. Every city has energy, character and a distinct identity.
btw loved your rejoinder to that immature commenter. People use any platform to show off!
Nicely put.I love big cities too,more than the flamboyance,i admire them because they stand testimony to the sheer strength of mankind to expand the horizon.
There definitely is a magic about the cities--something that is more than just the sum total of all the lives that go into making it.
I think the part of this freedom that you are talking about also comes from the anonymity--most cities, belong to everyone, and are owned by no one. And in that crowd, one can chose one's most comfortable identity and go with it.
I think there is peace in that.
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