This guy has a fascinating post on the cultural, political, theological and philosophical reasons we flock to and flounder in cities, especially to megapolises. He poses questions like: Why do we enjoy living in cities? Where do we get our sense of identity in the city? An excerpt:
Do we create only an illusion of community for ourselves by patronizing our favorite businesses? The human spirit seeks to cope and make the best out of a bad situation. Those who can’t will probably leave or seek alternate, less wholesome remedies. And yet, is this not a community more of our mind and choosing? And, hence, not a real community? (Similarly, how easy is it for us to acquire new friends and abandon old ones as we switch jobs, dwellings, or our boyfriend or girlfriend?)