April 28, 2025

We hope that the world will not narrow into a neighbourhood before it has broadened into a brotherhood.

Lyndon Johnson (1908-1973), American Democratic politician, president, speech at the lighting of the White House Christmas tree, 22 December 1963, Jay p.195

Never mind neighbourhoods, what about gated communities?

Whether it’s nimbyism in a neighbourhood, or xenophobia at a national level, the readiness to slam shut the door through which one—or one’s ancestor—has passed, and refuse entry to those who might follow, seems bred in the bones.