Why We Canât Quit Cities Our love-hate relationship with cities is an age-old story that dates back thousands of years. Michael H/Getty Images Share Innovation Hub: Why We Canât Quit Cities Many cities fell out of favor during the coronavirus pandemic, as those with means abandoned them for safer pastures â often to the annoyance of both the people left behind and residents of the places to which they fled. However, British historian and writer Ben Wilson says our love-hate relationship with cities is an age-old story that has been repeated again and again for over 6,000 years. In his latest book, â