ENG 2150 Gimme Shelter: the spaces we live in

George Simmel’s “The Metropolis and Mental Life” places much emphasis on individuals and individualism of metropolis residents. He talks a lot about time and money and those things really are important to city life because in order to do anything in the city you need money. Time is also extremely important as everything runs on a schedule. The trains and buses arrive at certain periods of time and if you want to make that train or bus you have to be at the stop on time. However, one thing that Simmel pointed out was that the development of an individual is by internal and external stimuli. I believe that this has to do with different cultures inside of the city. The city is truly a diverse place with all kinds of people with all kinds of different backgrounds. The New York Metropolitan area could even be considered a melting pot when it comes to culture. In my opinion, the external stimuli is the exposure to the different cultures and ideas and the exposure to these cultures help shape likes and dislikes. In the city there is always a group that has the same interests as you, you simply have to look and find them. For example,  I like competitive gaming, so since I have the grand city in the palm of my hand, I can seek out like minded individuals and we can associate with one another. Same goes for anybody else whether they be classical music enthusiasts or perhaps comic book fans. With the exposure to different cultures and niches, one can develop themselves according to the culture or niche they subscribe to and become a true individual, yet part of an ever growing community.