The review explores Jane Jacobs' economic theories from two of her books, focusing on the importance of cities in economic development and challenging conventional wisdom on separatism and large political entities. Longer summary

This review examines two books by Jane Jacobs: 'Cities and the Wealth of Nations' and 'The Question of Separatism'. The reviewer explores Jacobs' economic theories, which center on the importance of cities in economic development. Jacobs argues that cities, not nations, are the fundamental units of economic life, and that the process of import replacement is crucial for economic growth. The review also discusses Jacobs' views on separatism, currency, and the drawbacks of large political entities. The author notes that Jacobs' ideas challenge conventional wisdom across the political spectrum and suggests that her work deserves more attention in economic discourse. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander highlights diverse comments on the NIMBY debate, exploring contrasting views on urban living and various aspects of urban development. Longer summary

This post highlights various comments on the NIMBY debate, showcasing the stark differences in people's preferences for urban vs. suburban living. It explores how these differing views can lead to heated debates and misunderstandings. The post also discusses various aspects of urban development, including housing prices, city planning, and economic effects. Scott Alexander emphasizes the need to acknowledge diverse preferences and solve urban problems before advocating for increased density. He also presents counterarguments to some of his original points and additional perspectives on urban development issues. Shorter summary