The Browser - Big Urbanism

Big Gods

Brian Klaas | The Garden Of Forking Paths | 21st March 2024

Humans lived in small bands of fewer than a hundred people until 12,000 years ago, when large, complex civilisations emerged. What changed? The “Big Gods” theory holds that it is the belief in omniscient beings who watched and punished moral transgressions — “supernatural monitoring” which acted as social glue, preventing individuals from acting against the group’s interests (3,700 words)

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Secrets Of Japanese Urbanism

Noah Smith | Noahpinion | 26th March 2024

There are many: “Zakkyo” buildings — neon high-rises stacked with miscellaneous retailers; “pocket” neighbourhoods — mazes of streets and low-rise buildings shielded by large walls; mixed-use zoning aiding self-regulated residential areas. All of this is ideal for small businesses and makes for a varied urban life. Tokyo has 160,000 restaurants versus New York’s 25,000 or Paris’s 13,000 (3,200 words)

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