To sit down
Some thoughts on the simple act of sitting, watching, and what it reveals about cities, strangers, and how we connect.
Hello, regular readers, and welcome to the new ones!
This is Luis, with the latest issue of my newsletter. I write this newsletter to share my passion for photography, cities, and technology, along with interesting links I find over the week(s). This newsletter will be (as long as possible) free, but if you like to support it feel free to become a paid subscriber (pay what you want), or buy one of my photos.
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One of the simple pleasures I enjoy most in cities is sitting down and watching. Watching people pass by, observing how they/we interact with others, and noticing the rhythm of the city. Each city has its own— from the fast pace of Manhattan to the calm strolls of rural towns.
I guess it stems from my background and interest in urban planning. Sitting and simply observing people as they pass can be as relaxing as watching the sea. There’s something similar about both—the movement and the stillness. And while I’ve long focused on the movement, I’ve started noticing the stillness too. The people who are also sitting.
What do we have in common? What are they doing while they sit? Does the city offer us regular opportunities to rest? How comfortable are we sitting close to a stranger? These are just a few of the questions that pop into my mind from time to time.
In an increasingly polarized world, where divides seem to grow wider by the day, can the simple act of sitting offer a way to connect with others? Can we—do we—allow ourselves to get closer to strangers? To build connections and be empathetic? To, from time to time, change the rhythm, take a seat, observe, and recognize ourselves in other humans.
Thanks for reading!
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About this newsletter
I'm Luis Natera, a software developer, network scientist, and data/cities/tech nerd. I have an interdisciplinary trajectory (architecture -> sociocultural studies -> network science -> software development), you can read more about me and my career here.
This is a weekly newsletter about photography, cities, and software.
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