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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Happy City summary
Charles Montgomery
Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design
15 mins
Brief summary
Happy City by Charles Montgomery explores how our cities can shape our well-being and happiness. Through case studies and research, the book discusses the importance of urban design, community, and public spaces in creating happier and healthier cities.
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Happy City
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City suburbs were designed to make us happier, but things haven’t quite worked out that way.
If you took a trip back in time to visit your favorite nineteenth-century metropolis, it probably wouldn’t be your favorite city anymore. Back then cities were dirty, disease-ridden and overflowing with people. This miserable situation led urban planners to ask themselves: What could we do better?
In the early twentieth century, urban planners realized that cities would be better off if they were spread out over a larger area. This seemed like a big improvement on the cramped cities of the industrial revolution – plus, the newly invented automobile allowed city-dwellers to escape to the country every now and then.
And so the suburbs were born. For a while, townspeople were able to live healthier lives than they had in the congested city centers.
Fast forward to the present, however, and it would appear that the tables have turned. The modern city center offers far better living standards than it did in the past, while living on the outskirts of major cities has left citizens unhappy and exhausted.
Suburban residents are, after all, removed from many things. All destinations – from schools to medical facilities and even bars and places to hang out – require a long commute. People who live out in the suburbs spend more time on the road, which generally leaves them more worn down than inner-city citizens.
In 2008, two economists compared German citizens’ estimates of how long it took them to get to work with how satisfied they were with their lives. A pattern emerged: the further the commute, the less satisfied these people felt.
Spending all your time on the road also leaves you with less time to socialize. This too impacts your overall happiness. To prove the point, economist John Halliwell studied the Gallup World Polls from 2003 to 2010. He found that, when it comes to what makes us happy with our life, relationships with other people trump everything else – yes, even income.
While the suburban sprawl was a great idea in theory, it made people unhappier in practice. So, can cities still turn things around?
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What is Happy City about?
Happy City (2013) explains how urban planning can help us live healthier and more joyful lives in the big city. From the history of urban sprawl to design blunders, to strategies that encourage residents to socialize, relax and exercise, these blinks reveal the hidden features that can make or break city life.
Happy City Review
Happy City (2013) by Charles Montgomery explores the connection between urban design and our happiness. Here are three reasons why this book is worth reading:
- Packed with fascinating research and case studies, it uncovers how our physical environment impacts our well-being, highlighting the importance of designing cities for human happiness.
- By delving into the social and psychological factors that contribute to a happier city, the book offers valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and anyone interested in creating better cities.
- With its engaging storytelling and thought-provoking ideas, this book presents a fresh perspective on urban living, making it a captivating and enlightening read.
Best quote from Happy City
The street wears us out. It is altogether disgusting. Why, then, does it still exist? - Le Corbusier
—Charles Montgomery
Who should read Happy City?
- Readers thinking about moving to a new city
- Students of social psychology or urban planning
- People fascinated by the inner workings of urban life
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Happy City FAQs
What is the main message of Happy City?
The main message of Happy City is that urban design impacts our happiness and well-being.
How long does it take to read Happy City?
The reading time for Happy City varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Happy City a good book? Is it worth reading?
Happy City is definitely worth reading. It explores the connection between cities and happiness, providing valuable insights for urban living.
Who is the author of Happy City?
The author of Happy City is Charles Montgomery.
What to read after Happy City?
If you're wondering what to read next after Happy City, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Danish Way of Parenting by Jessica Joelle Alexander
- The Confidence Gap by Russ Harris
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship by Peter Drucker
- Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
- The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom
- Make Money Easy by Lewis Howes
- The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane
- The Shape of Things Unseen by Adam Zeman
- The Sleep Revolution by Arianna Huffington
- Status Anxiety by Alain de Botton