"The progress of civilisation could be defined in terms of the pushing back of stench.
As this proceeds the way is clear for an open ended expansion of the size of cities and the number of its inhabitants.
In the London of the 19th century, the problem of stench lies in the streets - in the dropping of the horses used for transportation. Horses are superceded by trams and motorized vehicles and the underground - clean in comparison. This progress in transportation permits a further expansion of the city. There follows an unstoppable growth in motor vehicles, both private and public - these cause pollution on an unimaginable scale.
Is this development to be viewed in strict material terms and as an inescapable development? That would surely be unsatisfactory and could not do justice. What are the psychic parameters involved? Is there a death wish? Is there a drive for asphyxiation on the part of the masses of people?"
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