Cameron and Clegg need stamina for ’ideas sex’ to bear fruit

Author: Nigel Hugill
Date: 06/08/2010
Publication: Property Week

I have just finished reading an elegantly uplifting gloom buster from eminent zoologist and practical scientist Matt Ridley.  Seemingly undaunted at having found himself as unlikely chairman of Northern Rock at just the wrong moment, the premise of The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves is that, not only are people not stupid, but we are becoming collectively more intelligent.

Much of the improvement comes from allowing ideas the air space in which to procreate. When ideas have sex, they spawn new ideas – the good ones get tested and become stronger. Others, ignored as ugly and old fashioned for a while, can rediscover a certain attraction on mature reflection.

Whether you welcome or worry about the progeny of our new coalition, you have to hand it to this administration: They are having ideas sex in abundance. Some say that the honeymoon with voters and constituents will not last long.

I am not so sure. A certain slowing-down is only to be expected, along with a greater recognition of the eventual limitations. Notwithstanding, the renewed virility may come to be seen as reflecting a genuine mood shift.

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