PARABLE OF THE OFFICE BUILDING

PARABLE OF THE OFFICE BUILDING.

For The Public
June 6, 1903

Now it came to pass that in the land of US, men did build most like unto the Tower of Babel — 20 stories high — and called it an office building. This they separated into parts, and let the offices out for hire at so much per, according to location desirability or size.

One man who thus did hire an office spent many shekels on beautiful furniture and extra fittings for his place, and made it a credit to the building, of which the owners were justly proud.

Another man, having an equally desirable office, at the same rent only put in a few old chairs and a desk.

Then along came another man with money to invest in "futures." Finding a third office unoccupied, as good as the other two, he saw the owners, informed them he wished to buy or rent it, so as to make a profit from some one who would hereafter need it. He would not put anything into it, but would allow neighbors to throw such rubbish as they wished in; and of course, would not expect to pay as much rent as the man who did lots of business in his office.

But the cold-hearted corporation could not see it, saying that offices were rented according to their desirability, regardless of the use made of them, the business done, a man's inheritance, his ability to pay, or the equipment he put in. But if any rebate or lower rent was to be given, it should justly go to the man making improvements which were a credit to the institution, and not to the man acting the dog in the manger, holding opportunities in a disgraceful condition. They did not fine or charge rent to a man on the improvements he put in.

And they further said unto the investment man: "You should go unto the City or National government, and get lands which is their office building. They encourage the industry of weeds, tin-cans and garbage — holding natural opportunities out of use — by less taxes. And annually fine a man by more taxes for improvements HE makes."

Moral: For common sense in taxation see what modern corporations do, and don't look to fossilized governments that are wedded to ancient traditions.

Comments

[Encino Virtual Offices]

Is the moral of this story really just political? I think the real moral is that people should buy something according to what they use it for. Of course the man who wanted a garbage dump shouldn't have gotten an office. An office isn't meant for garbage. I think it goes along with other common sense advice like: "get the right tool for the job." When it comes to office space, you don't always have to get one in a huge office building in an overpriced location. There are many options for office space, and the one you choose compliment what you need it for.

[office space ny]

Wonderful! Found your blog through google. Your blog tackles a nice variety of topics. I like that! This article is an eye opener.thanks for the post.

Margarette Smith