Nonconformity is an empty ...

Nonconformity is an empty goal, and rebellion against prevailing opinion merely because it is prevailing should no more be praised than acquiescence to it. Indeed, it is often a mask for cowardice, and few are more pathetic than those who flaunt outer differences to expiate their inner surrender.
 William H. Whyte

Quotes from the same author

It is difficult to design a space that will not attract people. What is remarkable is how often this has been accomplished.
 William H. Whyte
Trees are contagious; as soon as one neighborhood or street is planted, citizen pressure builds up for action from the next street.
 William H. Whyte