"ニューヨーク市に探偵小説を設定するのはばかげているニューヨーク市自体が探偵小説なのだから"

The quote suggests that New York City, with its complexities and myriad stories, is inherently mysterious and full of intrigue—much like a detective story. Imagine trying to write a detective novel set in a place that's already brimming with its own enigmatic scenarios; it's kind of redundant, right? NYC is packed with diverse characters, hidden secrets, and endless plots unfolding in every corner.

Think about the context of when and why this might have been said. New York City, especially in the early to mid-20th century, became a symbol of urban complexity. From its towering skyscrapers to its labyrinthine subway system, the city embodies chaos and mystery. It's a place where people from all walks of life converge, each with their own backstory, creating a tapestry of endless narratives. The idea here is that the city itself offers more intrigue and depth than any fictional detective story possibly could.

Take, for instance, the real-life case of the "Son of Sam" in the 1970s. David Berkowitz, who terrorized the city, left cryptic letters for the police, leading them on a wild chase. His story wasn’t just a simple crime but a convoluted hunt that spanned months, capturing the city's imagination. The entire episode turned the city into a real-life detective story, with everyone on edge, piecing together clues and living through a narrative that no book could match in authenticity or fear.

So how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Think about the narratives around you. Sometimes, your environment offers more stories and lessons than any fiction could. Pay attention to your surroundings, the people you meet, and the experiences you gather. They could provide more insight and intrigue than any crafted tale. Instead of seeking stories in books or movies alone, look around you—real life often offers the greatest mysteries and lessons.

Let’s say you’re walking through Central Park at twilight. The city starts to wind down, but the park is still alive. You might see a musician packing up his guitar, a jogger taking one last lap, and a couple arguing by the fountain. Each scene is a snippet of a larger story. Maybe the musician is struggling to make ends meet, the jogger is training for a marathon after overcoming an injury, and the couple is on the brink of a breakup but still holding on to shared memories. These are all tiny detective stories woven into the fabric of the city.

Imagine sitting in a cozy coffee shop in the West Village. You're sipping on your latte, people-watching. Each person who walks in has a story. The barista with the sleeve tattoos might be a night student studying to be a lawyer. The elderly man with the cane and a fedora might have been a jazz musician back in the day. The young woman scribbling furiously in her notebook might be writing the next great American novel. You don’t need a fictional detective story to find intrigue and mystery—it's all around you, waiting to be noticed.

In essence, when you start appreciating the inherent narratives and mysteries around you—especially in a place as vibrant and complex as New York City—you realize that life's real stories far outshine any fictional plot. Sometimes, the best detective stories are the ones unfolding right in front of our eyes.