Robert Neuwirth has a thing for squatters.
This good fellow – who spent two years living in squatter communities in four continents – compiles research in his book on the struggles and successes of some of the world’s most resourceful poor people, among the one billion urban squatters in countries like Brazil, India, Kenya and Turkey.
Neuwirth is able to dismantle many common preconceptions about the so-called slums in which they live.
His blog at Squattercity reveals years of insightful posts.
Urban squatters – families that risk the wrath of governments and property owners by building dwellings on land they don’t own – represent one out of every ten people on the planet.
“Never judge a man without putting yourself in his place.”
This old proverb makes all judgment impossible,
for we judge someone only because, in fact,
we cannot put ourselves in his place.
– E. M. Cioran, (1911–1995)