Cities exist because people have organized themselves over millennia to meet various needs. A primary reason for this organization was security, achieved through the smooth coexistence of large groups, as well as the prosperity that peace allows. Although centuries have passed since the first cities were established, many of their foundational values remain strong today.
Urban development accelerated during the Industrial Revolution, when large populations in Western states moved to cities to meet economic demands. Industrialization has deeply influenced our daily lives. We now rely on conveniences designed to simplify the processes of buying, receiving and using goods. Over time, many traditional occupations have transformed. The butcher shop, grocery store and clothing store have largely been replaced by modern supermarkets and online marketplaces. Similarly, banks have replaced individual lenders, offering not only loans but a wide range of services backed by scientific and professional expertise. These institutions exemplify businesses that simplify operations while expanding their reach.
Consumers interact with these businesses frequently, benefiting from the efficiency they provide. Food, water and money are distributed from centralized hubs to stores scattered across urban areas, ensuring ease and speed of access. Such distribution would be far more difficult without large cities and advanced transportation networks. These factors provide security for both businesses and consumers, supporting profitability and rapid delivery.
Urbanization also subtly changes the ideal way of doing business. Modern cities resemble a bank’s treasury, with a densely populated center and less crowded suburbs. Shops in city centers are likely to be more profitable than suburban ones because they have access to far larger numbers of potential customers. Thousands of people may work in a single downtown skyscraper, whereas a suburban building of the same size may house only a few dozen families. This explains why business owners are willing to pay high real estate prices for central locations. Success in business is rarely about having the perfect product; it is about having a strategic location and a steady flow of customers to sustain sales.
