Most people think they want Main Streets but won't make the small sacrifices in terms of time, cost, and footpower necessary to sustain them. The sad fact is that we have created a culture in which most people will happily-indeed, unthinkingly-drive an extra couple of miles to walk thirty less feet.
In his book "I'm a Stranger Here Myself," Bill Bryson discusses a common desire among people for vibrant Main Streets, yet highlights a reluctance to make the minimal sacrifices required to support them. He suggests that while many express interest in community-centered spaces, they often choose convenience over connection, valuing a shorter walk over the benefits of local engagement.
Bryson points out a cultural contradiction where people would rather drive longer distances to save a few steps walking. This observation reflects a broader issue of prioritizing convenience and comfort over the health and vitality of local communities, ultimately undermining the very essence of Main Streets that people claim to cherish.
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Other quotes in I'm a Stranger Here Myself: Notes on Returning to America After Twenty Years Away
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