I was super excited to visit the new New York Public Library building on 5th avenue near Bryant Park. My first impression of it is of a beautiful temple full of all the magical things absolutely free for everyone to learn.
And I immediately thought what Aristotle would say if they were suddenly transported to a palace like this in the future and told that anyone from the lowest to the richest kings on Earth could come here and learn about anything they want freely at zero cost.
What is even more fascinating to me is the miracle that produces this public space at the heart of the most commercially intense place on Earth which is New York City. It's kind of a conundrum to think that commercial activity of I'd say a pretty unpleasant kind produces this marvel of public space.
I think of all the marvels of modern civilization and of the miracles it has produced - the public spaces like this new New York Public Library space are the pinnacle of public ambition.
The main reasons I had stayed in New York - even though some of the education, technology, work culture, and social paradigms of New York City are really behind California probably about 50 years - the main reasons I remain in New York is the public space, dense culture money can't buy, and the possibility of endless encounters with diverse people.
New York City is very dense with culture. Very dense with cultural experiences, very dense in terms of encounters, fairly dense in terms of social experiences. And also very dense in terms of public space.
The development of the public space and the public spaces of New York City I think is one of the super genius talents of New York City.
I truly missed the public spaces of New York City during the pandemic.
I have always been fascinated with the public space, the public space has long held significance in the public life of a great city. Since ancient Greece, many vital events have been decided on the public square and many truths spoken in the public space.
I've always been fascinated with and loved operating within the public space of New York City. It appears New York City inspires many people to operate for the public good.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library is a public miracle.
I really like the idea of working on my next public work within this space. It looks incredible and feels incredible on so many levels. I especially like the metaphor of using learning to see the bigger picture of the world just like sitting on the rooftop garden allows you to see an urban landscape that you won't be able to see from street level.