I was reading a WSJ article about luxury real estate spec homes. While it might be pretty crazy to speculate now that someone is going to snap up that $60 million dollar home, the homes themselves are stunning.

What I find interesting is the predictable reaction to these homes in the comments (As an aside, it seems like the comments are almost always the best part of an article these days. sometimes I read an article just to read the comments.):

100k operating costs per month. To heat a pool they never use. Glad to see their tax break went towards something productive. And when the budget crisis arrives, I'll foot the bill. Sacrifice is for the little people.

The rich always seem to have money. Brother can you spare a dime? Let them eat cake. You have nothing to lose but your chains. Goldman Sachs is doing God's work.

Reading this article made me feel icky, like seeing pictures of a 800 lb woman or a 150 lb two year old. Sometimes, poor taste and over consumption is simply revolting.

Now I know why we need a tax cut for the wealthy - the new feudalism - the new lords and ladies of the manor

With big houses like this, why is our reaction always jealousy mixed with righteous indignation? We don't react that way to expensive pieces of art or even jewelry, do we? I guess my question is why aren't we able to appreciate homes like this on an aesthetic level when we're able to do so with some many other expensive things?

So what if no one is living in these homes now or permanently or whatever. Maybe there's just some value in building something beautiful and spectacular. Think of all of the incredible places that wouldn't have existed if people only strove for the modest and practical. Like the kings, queens & mughals before them, I'm frankly glad there are enough super rich people out there to inspire and fund the spectacular.