"I like New York because you're kind of forced to smell everybody else's funk. So it keeps you biologically attached to the world around you"
About this Quote
Jeffrey Wright's quote uses a vibrant, rather humorous viewpoint on the dense metropolitan environment of New York City. At its core, the quote suggests that the experience of living in New York is among inevitable nearness and connection to the humanity surrounding you. The reference of "odor everyone else's funk" stimulates the concept of the city's sensory overload, where the sheer volume of people and activities leads to an amalgamation of aromas, sounds, and sights that can be both frustrating and intimate.
This "funk" may refer to the actual mix of smells one encounters-- ranging from food carts and busy markets to mass transit and crowded walkways. However, it also metaphorically represents the diverse tapestry of human experience present in New York. The city's environment is formed by its citizens' specific stories, cultures, and way of lives, creating a distinct city mosaic.
By stating this environment "keeps you biologically connected to the world around you", Wright highlights the way New York's lively energy continuously reminds its inhabitants of the interconnectedness of human presence. This forced proximity to others serves as a grounding system, reminding New Yorkers of their location within a bigger neighborhood. It is a stark contrast to the more separated and insular experiences one might have in less largely inhabited areas.
Wright's statement likewise means a sense of credibility and rawness that numerous connect with New York. There is a no-frills realism in the inescapable encounters with diverse elements of life, which can be both challenging and enhancing. This environment supports a deep, visceral understanding of shared humankind, as people from all strolls of life assemble and coexist.
Ultimately, the quote celebrates the unfiltered, organic experience of city life, stressing how such a sensory-rich environment promotes a profound connection to and appreciation for the lively world and people surrounding you.
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