"...India is two countries in one: an India of Light, and India of Darkness. The ocean brings light to my country. Every place on the map near the ocean is well off. But the river bring darkness to India..."
From "The White Tiger" by Arvind Adiga
Similar trend can be observed in US cities. In terms of development and progressive mindset, cities near ocean fare better than those on the river banks. Why?
Historically, cities with port were better exposed to new information, advances in technology, and people.
