Summary
From the Paris Commune to the 'Right to the City', cities have long been the centre of utopian dreams and protests. They have generated riches, destitution, celebration and organised and often violent protest. Professor David Harvey, the acclaimed social geographer, talks to Laurie Taylor about the urban roots of the contemporary capitalist crisis and the vision of a city for all. They're joined by the sociologist, Sophie Watson. Producer: Charlie Taylor.
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Take some time for yourself with soothing classical music from the mindful mix, |
| 0:06.0 | the Science of Happiness Podcast. |
| 0:08.0 | For the last 20 years I've dedicated my career to exploring the science of living a happier more meaningful life and I want |
| 0:14.4 | to share that science with you. |
| 0:16.1 | And just one thing, deep calm with Michael Mosley. |
| 0:19.4 | I want to help you tap in to your hidden relaxation response system and open the door to that |
| 0:25.4 | calmer place within. Listen on BBC Sounds. |
| 0:29.7 | This is a Thinking Loud Podcast from the BBC and for more details in our terms of use and much, much more about thinking aloud, go to our website at BBC.co. UK. |
| 0:44.0 | Hello. |
| 0:45.0 | Much of our time in big cities is necessarily preoccupied with expedient matters |
| 0:50.0 | with getting to work, shopping for bargains, |
| 0:52.0 | avoiding street hustlers, finding a park with a bench or a pub with a seat. |
| 0:57.0 | But I suspect that occasionally we're all seized by a wider concern. |
| 1:01.0 | Looking at the complexity before our eyes the sheer variety of buildings and |
| 1:05.5 | peoples the extraordinary proximity of rich and poor neighborhoods the |
| 1:08.8 | wondrous way in which individuals contrive to pursue their personal goals within that multitude of fellow beings. |
| 1:15.0 | Looking at all this, it's impossible not to wonder, |
| 1:18.0 | rather like young children before a Heath Robinson contrivance, |
| 1:21.0 | how on earth does it fit together? How do the parts relate? How does it all work? |
| 1:27.0 | Well, few people tried harder to make sense of this urban complexity than Charles Dickens. This subtle portrait is taken from his journal, Master |
| 1:35.9 | Humphrey's clock. |
| 1:37.0 | The day begins to break and soon there is the hum and noise of life. |
... |
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