Humbled

Posted on by Reena Saxena

The tourist guide tells me that dome-shaped structures facilitate circulation of energy, in absence of sharp angles and corners. I’m not sure if energy is always positive.  An idle thought crosses my mind – maybe the speakers like to hear echoes of their own voice.

What could be the purpose of elaborate sculptural design and interesting lights? It makes people look up for sure. I step out with a queasy feeling in my stomach. I don’t know why, but I feel dwarfed and humbled by the structure .

Some people can go to any length – or height- just to be worshipped.

(100 words)

 

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37 thoughts on “Humbled”

  5. I was recently in the rotunda of a state capital for a speech. Similar dome and glass ceiling and the rotunda is known for its ability to magnify voices. The speaker seems to raise his voice to fill the area. Interesting observation!!! Well done.

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  7. Your story is thought-provoking, as are many of the comments. I suppose men of power seek to be portrayed as larger-than-life, even god-like beings when they have these monuments built.
    I wonder whether an architect has ever tried to subvert the intention of a ruler by turning what should be a grand structure into one that demeans the ruler – perhaps by over-elaborate decoration?

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  8. Nicely written, Reena. I read your comment to Jilly about “a story that Shahjahan had cut off the hands of those who built the Taj Mahal so that the structure was not replicated anywhere.” That’s horrible. There is way too much cruelty in our history, so sad.

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    1. There is a story that Shahjahan had cut off the hands of those who built the Taj Mahal, so that the structure was not replicated anywhere. That is how structures are owned by the rich and powerful.

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  13. Reena,

    Your mention of echoing voices makes me think of an empty room in my parents’ house when I was a kid. We’d love to get in there, close the door, and yell. Our voices bounced off the wall like magic back to our ears. It was such a strange and fun thing to do. I still like hearing the echoes of my voice which isn’t often but when it the opportunity rises I’m always taken back to yesteryear sense of wonder. 🙂

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  15. Well done, Reena. This had a beautiful tone to it and I particularly liked: “maybe the speakers like to hear echoes of their own voice.” I’d never thought of that. Wouldn’t surprise me.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

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