The Scots and the Song

 Ah ha.  Right.  So how come half way through the book,  Arthur admits that the Scots didn't really invent any thing................. they rediscovered and reused old ideas of 'Why Man'

 

Coincidentally, as if to counter Arthur's claim,  Singapore Expo is exhibiting the animated Song Dynasty Qing Ming Shang He Tu  scroll showing life in 9th century CE China.  A city with no defensive walls, thriving on free market trading and specialisation of human labours.  Gosh, that sounds familiar!!! I suppose the 3rd century BCE terracotta warriors were made in someones garden shed too. The oldest known dragon kiln which could hold 100 pieces of potty can be seen in Fujian province dating from 1100 century BCE.  Singapore still has two kilns based on the same design which are 30 meters long and 2 meters wide.

Surely the lesson to learn and the message to promote is that nothing lasts for ever.  Some nut case with a big gun comes along sooner or later and messes up the party.  Enjoy the moment guys and gals.