The UnConventional Wisdom

Abstract

A couple of years ago when the Great Asset Mania was still in full force, I saw an article extolling India’s new-found position in the world scheme of things, one of the many outgrowths of the globalization of the world’s economy, which as it happened was just then beginning to roll over. Somewhere in the middle of this piece was a statement by Delhi architect Hafeez Contractor (what a great name for an architect!), who was obviously caught up in the euphoria of India’s move onto the world’s center stage. He was speaking out for building the world’s tallest building in Delhi, stating “It is about status. It is about glorification. It is high time that people started realizing that we too are a great nation.” While I think most would agree that India is a great nation, even without Mr. Constructor’s cheerleading, his statement underscores a point worth pondering.