This reaction paper summarizes Georg Simmel's article "The Metropolis and Mental Life" which discusses differences in social and cultural life between 19th century cities and rural towns. Simmel argues that mental life in cities is more rational and reserved while rural towns foster more intimate emotional interactions. Urban settings are also more materialistic and focused on superficial interactions rather than deep emotions. Meanwhile, rural social networks are more organic with less freedom to choose groups. The theory remains applicable as differences in mental life between urban and rural areas persist today.

1. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
(ARC61303)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (MARCH 2018)
Name: Heng Sy Hua ID No.: 0321999
Lecturer: Mr. Prince Tutorial Time: 1000-1200
Reader/Text Title: ‘ The Metropolis and Mental
Life”
Synopsis No: 1
Author: Georg Simmel
This article by Georg Simmel discussed about the different aspects of social urban life during the 19th
century. The text also examines the individual within the modern city and also compares the lifestyle and
cultural within the Metropolis with small rural town.
Simmel compares the mental life between the Metropolis and small rural town in several aspect s. Firstly,
the mental life in urban setting is intelligible and clear while the mental life of small towns is more emotions
related. People in urban settings are more rational and reserved which caused their interaction with each
other to be short and instrumental. On the other hand, interaction in rural towns involves more emotions
and personal involvement which lead to a more intimate and devoted interaction between individuals.
Secondly, the mental life in urban settings is more materialistic and mental life in rural town is more
emotionally related. Urban settings are often dominated by objectivism and this can be seen from the
sentance, “…money economy and the domination of the intellect stand in closest relationship…” (Page
12). The money-oriented cultural in urban setting resulting the people to be more ignorant and indirectly
cause the people to only focus on superficial levels instead of deep emotions.
Thirdly, social network in rural town is more organic and in limited group size where they have less
freedom to choose between social groups. In urban setting people have the liberation to choose their own
social groups and therefore people tends to choose the group with intention. Hence relationship in rural
area is more meaningful and intimate but in cities, complex group are found and contribute to blasé
metropolitan attitude.
In conclusion, I found that this theory is still applicable till today as the difference in mental life between
rural town and urban settings are still significant. However, this article is still useful as the fundamental
guidance for various organization to create more positive social interaction in cities and thus increase the
mental life of the people nowadays.
Word Count: 383 Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date 21/5 Page No. 1