How cities distract you, cause you to be more agitated and spend more, but also help you to be more innovative.

Thanks to Brad Feld for pointing out this excellent article by Jonah Lehrer titled “How the City Hurts Your Brain…and what you can do about it.” Having recently moved from the Bay area back up to relative country side where I see trees mountains and birds all day, I can attest to much of what is in this article. I enjoy cities but I also find them very stressful and always feel as though I’m under attack from the noise of Harleys, trucks, cars, sirens, and people. There is a lot here for urban planners to consider. It’s an excellent read.