Not like a lot, but I've seen what a lot of westerners complain about and I think its important that each of you have one mildly annoying experience with a fellow human being a day to build up your tolerance.

Also all the other stuff that's good about public transport I guess.

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[–] Wertheimer@hexbear.net 13 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

This sounds akin to Richard Sennett's definition of a city as "a human settlement in which strangers are likely to meet."

Edit - more than merely akin:

Sennett likes “grim.” He also likes “difficulty,” “complexity,” and “friction.” His critique of the effect of digital devices on the city, apart from the fact that they are “individualizing machines,” is that apps like Google Maps make the city too user-friendly, too “friction-free.” If you think that the role of a designer, whether of software or of city streets, is to make those things easier to use, Sennett would disagree. He sees “encounters with resistance” as crucial to learning any craft, even the craft of dwelling. Getting lost is how we learn.

[–] Keld@hexbear.net 7 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I know it's not very believable given how similar the idea is, but I have never heard of this concept before. That's kinda cool.

[–] Wertheimer@hexbear.net 6 points 2 weeks ago

I believe you! I only remembered the one-liner myself, and not even his name. I'm glad this thread spurred me to add more to my urbanism reading list.