Meaning: The quote by Bruce Conner captures the essence of the experience of navigating the bustling and complex environment of New York City. Conner, an American artist known for his work in various mediums including sculpture, film, and photography, uses the metaphor of a maze to convey the sense of being lost or disoriented within the city's urban landscape. He describes the city as a series of interconnected boxes and passageways, each representing a distinct space or location within the city, and emphasizes the feeling of seeking safety or refuge as one moves from one point to another.

New York City, often referred to as the "concrete jungle," is renowned for its dense and intricate layout, characterized by a network of streets, avenues, and buildings that can indeed evoke a sense of being caught in a maze. The city's towering skyscrapers, crowded sidewalks, and labyrinthine subway system contribute to the feeling of being enclosed within a complex and sometimes overwhelming environment. For those unfamiliar with the city, the experience of navigating its streets and neighborhoods can indeed resemble the disorienting journey through a maze.

Conner's use of the metaphor of a rat maze adds a layer of complexity to his description of New York City. Rats are known for their ability to navigate intricate, maze-like environments, often relying on their instincts and adaptability to find their way. By likening the experience of being in New York to that of a rat in a maze, Conner suggests a certain level of instinctual navigation and survival inherent in the daily life of city dwellers. The comparison also hints at the idea of a struggle for survival and the need to find one's way through the urban landscape in order to reach a place of safety or comfort.

The notion of seeking safe havens within the city further reinforces the idea of New York as a place of both challenge and refuge. Amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, individuals often seek out their own personal havens – whether it be a favorite coffee shop, a quiet park, or the familiarity of home – in order to find respite from the maze-like nature of urban living. The concept of moving from one safe haven to another highlights the importance of these moments of solace and comfort within the larger context of navigating the city's complexities.

In conclusion, Bruce Conner's quote encapsulates the multi-faceted experience of being in New York City, portraying it as a maze-like environment filled with interconnected spaces and the need to navigate from one safe haven to another. His use of the rat maze metaphor adds depth to the portrayal of the city as a place of instinctual navigation and the constant search for refuge. Ultimately, Conner's words offer a compelling perspective on the intricate and challenging nature of urban life, while also acknowledging the individual quest for moments of safety and solace within the bustling metropolis.