Does that mean we’ll get more progress if everyone in a certain field gathers in one place? Perhaps.
After thinking about this a bit, I’m not sure I agree. First, gathering everyone together puts all the eggs in one basket, which risks vulnerability to external disruption (e.g. the Nazis taking over Budapest). Second, a brain-drain of intellectuals into one central city deprives up-and-coming students (if they can’t afford to relocate) of teachers and mentors.
After thinking about this a bit, I’m not sure I agree. First, gathering everyone together puts all the eggs in one basket, which risks vulnerability to external disruption (e.g. the Nazis taking over Budapest). Second, a brain-drain of intellectuals into one central city deprives up-and-coming students (if they can’t afford to relocate) of teachers and mentors.
It also tends to lead to fragile monocultures. See also San Francisco.