New York

New York

Glass domes rise from the Earth, as per some science fiction novel of the 1800's. They represent the Climb, embodying the ascension of the individual and the nation's strive to the top. Ants, ants work in these glass catacombs, consumed by their bustle for shallow happiness that successful greed provides, being useless, dispensable as individuals - but forming a powerful organism together, the modern Corporation. It was interesting to walk on the streets of that dynamic world, inhabited by luck and greed and perfect timing, all three playing with people's fates within these towers of Babylon. 

Trinity Church, New York

At the very heart of New York, this den of modern values and symbol of the current era, is located - or more correctly, squeezed, a lone piece of land existing outside of time. Not money, faith rules here - but what is faith in the financial capital of the world and a city of worldly opportunities? It is something long forgotten, often hidden, even buried. Yet here, among the shining mirror towers, stands one in the style of the Gothic Revival architecture. It's not just a contrast with its surroundings, it is a daring challenge. A challenge to the city, a challenge to each individual to pause and realize the meaninglessness of the surrounding fuss. Believers will remember God, nonbelievers will remember that in the end, the king and the jester are both buried in one and the same land. 

At one point, the Church was the tallest building in New York. But as religious values grow pale in modern people, this Church has also lost its supremacy in 1890 to the New York World Building. However, the inexorable hand of progress could not reach to wipe out this tacit reminder amidst a great city. 

The Church has history. The land for its construction was purchased in the year 1696. I will not recount all of its long story, for those interested - read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_Church_(Manhattan). 

But lastly, I will stress that if you are ever in New York - do not forget to visit this corner outside of time, you will not regret it.