Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Train of Thought

E. B. White's 1948 essay, “Here is New York,” was excerpted and introduced last month as part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s new Train of Thought literary campaign.

Makes for some interesting contemplation during the subway commute.

There are roughly three New Yorks. There is, first, the New York of the man or woman who was born there, who takes the city for granted and accepts its size, its turbulence as natural and inevitable. Second, there is the New York of the commuter — the city that is devoured by locusts each day and spat out each night. Third, there is New York of the person who was born somewhere else and came to New York in quest of something ….Commuters give the city its tidal restlessness, natives give it solidity and continuity, but the settlers give it passion.

With thanks to The New York Times for the photo and the quote. An interesting discussion about the card and the "New Yorkers" is going on over on the City Room blog.