Golden Temple (Amritsar, India)

Abstract The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is the central worship place for the Sikhs. It is located in Amritsar, Northern Punjab in India. The building is one of the oldest structures in the country, but one whose architectural design still amazes the current architects.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Golden Temple (Amritsar, India) specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The building of the temple was started in 1574 and was completed in 1604. However, the temple suffered attacks twice and in the two attacks, the building was destroyed. It was later restructured to what it is today. The building consumed many materials, but remains one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the country. Official data from the government shows that many tourists visit the site every year. It is considered the most attractive tourist site in the country. The Golden Temple The Golden Temple, also known as Harmand ir Sahib, is the central Gurdwara (worship place) located in Amritsar, Northern Punjab, India. The building is one of the oldest structures in the country, but its architectural design still amazes the current architects. From a far, the building resembles any ordinary temple in the city. However, as one moves closer to the building, he or she realizes the strangeness of the building. The shape of the temple, materials used in its construction, and the color, show a work done out of skill. It is believed that this building has a strong symbolic function in the country. This is because of the historical factors that are related to it. All Sikhs consider this temple holy. The temple was built purposely to act as a worship center to all people in this land and even visitors, irrespective of their gender, race, age, and religion. The figure below shows the Golden Temple at Amritsar in India. Figure 1 This research is focused on analyzing the Golden Temple based on its location, cultura l ties, the designs used in its construction, and the labor force used.Advertising Looking for essay on architecture? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Location of the Building As was stated above, this temple is located in the city of Amritsar, Northern Punjab, India. The building of this holy place can be traditionally traced back in 1574 when Akbar, the monarch of Mughal, gave Bibi Bhani the site as a present when she was marring Jetha. Jetha became the fourth Guru Raam Das and immediately started developing the site. In 1588, Guru Arjun Dev oversaw the laying of the temple’s foundation. He finally completed the construction of the temple and declared it an official worshiping center. He selected Sikh Baba Budha as the warden of the shrine. The decision to make this a central temple for worshiping in this kingdom was largely motivated by its location. The temple was located strategically in the middle of society. It wa s easily accessible to various communities that lived in the kingdom. All main trade routes were also passing near the temple. Culture and Society The Golden Temple in Amritsar in India had many cultural connotations to people who lived around the place and to the entire country. This temple, suitably known as Harmandir meaning Temple of God, was considered a central worshiping place for all people in the region. It was meant for both men and women of all religions and from any part of the world. During this time, the Gurus had come to the realization that this society was strategically located for trade. This was because of the Indian Ocean, which was a route for many ships that were travelling to various markets around the world. The Gurus had realized that given the location of this country, many visitors would come to the country and religion was a main factor. The temple was therefore considered a general place, which was holy and could accommodate any religious grouping in soc iety. This temple was also a sign of defiance to external rulers who had issued a decree that buildings in this land should not go beyond three feet above the ground. Leaders of this society built a twelve feet temple to defy this decree and this has remained a clear fact among people living in this society. According to Arshi (56), this temple was a clear sign of the accommodative culture of Indians. During this time, there was a tight battle amongst various religious groupings. Each religious group was fighting for supremacy and it was rare to see individuals from another religion trusting the other with issues related to religion. Over the world, there were cases of massacre against religious groupings, which was perpetuated by the group in power. In this country, however, the temple was a sign of unity. In the temple, people would feel that there is a sign of unity. The temple is also a sign of the tough battle that the Indians fought against the invaders from the Middle East. A ll over the world, traders who used the Indian Ocean had known that the temple was a sign of unity and strength of this country. It became a target of inversion by world powers that were planning to rule this land.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Golden Temple (Amritsar, India) specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This is what happened Jahan Khan, a general of Afghani army, invaded this land. The temple was massively destroyed by this army, but due to the spirited fight that was put up the local army led by Baba Deep Singh, they were repulsed from the temple, and therefore, this worshiping place was not completely brought down. The temple was restricted with the sponsorship from Maharaj Sign who sponsored marble inlay, gilding the temple and gold painting. Perhaps the most memorable event about this temple was the dark history known as The Operation Blue Star of 1984, which was commissioned by Indira Gandhi. The ope ration led to a fight between the government soldiers led by General Kuldip Brar and the Sikhs. This battle resulted in massive destruction of the temple, and many of the Sikhs lost their lives. Some of the soldiers also lost their lives in the battle. The soldiers did humiliating things within the temple, including smoking and destruction of the holy shrine. The Sikhs who died in the operations were given disgracing mass cremation by the government soldiers. This temple was later restructured in 1990s. This incident has however, remained clear in the minds of the Indians. It has remained a controversial topic in this country, but it remains a fact that the incident made this temple very famous. It is still regarded by the entire nation as a center for worship, while the Sikhs still commemorate the massacre of their fellow tribesmen who were brutally murdered at this place. Besides the locals, this temple has been attracting the attention of international tourists, spiritual leaders , and designers among other professionals who always want to learn a number of issues related to the temple. Construction of the Building The construction of this building can be analyzed from various fronts. It is worth noting that there has been massive changes done to this building ever since it was built that one may argue that the original design is lost. The initial construction of this building begun reflected the modern housing design of the 18th century. Although the building has been renovated several times by modern architectures, it is clear that in the initial structure, erection of the building to higher heights was done using scaffolding. The strength of the wall was ensured with the help of steel girders. This gave the walls strength and ability to withstand various forces of nature. During the construction, girders and other construction materials were lifted using a pulley system. By this time, sophisticated machines such as the cranes were not available, but const ruction technology was progressing and people were looking for better ways of making the construction process easier and faster. The workforce of this building worked under a pressure to deliver quality work. They had to embrace both speed and quality of production. The frame of the Golden Temple was steel bars. This would be mixed with concrete to give the wall the strength needed for the height that was expected.Advertising Looking for essay on architecture? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More At this time, the idea of skyscrapers was not common and therefore, the workforce had to employ a lot of intelligence in order to come up with what was expected. The architectures were given the hard task of ensuring that this building would go against the forces of nature and tower high into the sky. This had to be done having in mind that the construction workers and the final users of the temple would be safe. The building, despite its height and size, had to withstand forces of nature and be able to stand the test of time. The finishing was done using gold and gold coating in some parts of the building. It was therefore, imperative to go for the materials that would meet the expected standards. Figure 2 Materials According to Kapur (112), it may be a little challenging to state precisely the number of materials that were used to construct this building. As was stated previously, this building was attacked twice, first by Afghani generals and secondly by Operation Blue Star. Eac h of the attacks had devastating effects on the building and each time there was an attempt to make the building better than it initially was. However, an average audit of the materials used in this building indicates that the building consumed many materials during its construction. It is estimated that the walls of this temple consumed about 37,981 tons of steel and 7,942,271 bricks. On these walls were 484 windows 28 doors (Arshi 82). The roofing consumed 743,214 tiles and 762,123 rivets. There were about 250 flights of stairs in the entire building and half a mile of aluminum railing. The pipes used were about 40 miles in length and about 20-mile brass stripe in the floor. The electric wire used was about 920 miles, with about 15,000 bulbs. The painting was about 4,387,000 square feet and about 117,475 troy ounce of gold. The above figures are estimation of what this temple could have consumed following the two destructive attacks. Kapur (121) says that it may be difficult to de termine the exact value because when the temple was attacked for the first time, the extent of the destruction was not valued. The same was the case in the second destruction. However, basing the estimation on what exists today, the stated values are the approximation of what made the Golden Temple. Exterior Design The figure given below shows the exterior design of this building and its location and most of the important external component of the temple. Figure 3 It is clear from the diagram above that the exterior design of this temple shows that motivation for the architectures came from the architectural development that was taking place in the Roman Empire. There had been architectural developments in these earlier times from the Egyptian pyramids, the Chinese houses, and finally the modern Roman housing structure. One fact that demonstrates this is the golden color of the building. Gold was a precious commodity in society at this time and it was used as a sign of class. House s that used gold in their exterior and interior parts were considered of higher value. Moreover, they belonged to the most powerful individuals in society. The exterior part of this building closely resembles the palace and the temples that were common in the Roman Empire. The dome shaped towers and the flag emphasize the religion of the locals. The finishing of this house was done so perfectly that it is nearly impossible to see the bricks and steel used in construction. It is worth noting that this fine finishing was done during its most recent renovation. The large dome-shaped windows are meant to allow light into the temple at daytime and to illuminate beautiful golden light from the internal bulbs at night. Its location in the middle of waters makes it one of the most attractive tourist attraction sites in the country. This location also shows that this building was not only meant for worshiping, but also a place where people would come for the purpose of recreation. The design of the roofing, the windows, the doors, and the general external shape of the temple leaves no doubt that this is a place for worship Interior Design The interior design of this temple shows the exotic nature of this building and a clear representation of what it is. The diagram below shows a section of the interior of this temple. Figure 4 The temple is ornamented using gold and golden cups, jugs seats among other ornaments. The interior of this building was garlanded using expensive garments and special type of wood. The decoration also includes flowers and special colored lights. The architectural design of the interior part of this temple shows a great expertise, especially in designing the curvatures on the ceiling. The lighting of this temple is designed to give a golden light that is just bright enough for the worshipers. The interior wall is designed to give an impression that it is made of wood. The upper part of the wall is carpeted with various materials from gold to a special type of mahogany wood and black, blue, white, and golden garments. The room is well ventilated to help maintain a clean environment for the large population that throngs the place. Labor Force Labor used in this project came from different fields. There were carpenters, plumbers, electricians, masons, drivers among others. The effort of building this temple took several years. In the initial construction of the temple, which ended in 1604, the locals did the work. The architects, who were involved in designing this temple, had experience in building and construction, following the Roman modern housing designs. The masons, plumbers and other workforce that were involved in the construction were local experts. It was during this time that most construction activities were completed. According to Mohinder (119), it is worth appreciating the fact that during its construction, no serious casualties or deaths, despite the heavy activities that were involved, were witnessed. Guru A rjan Dev is celebrated as the person who came out strongly to sponsor this project from the onset. His predecessor had only laid the foundation for this building. Guru Dev, therefore, had to hire experts who were able to construct the temple to meet the expectations of society. Although it took several years to complete this project, there were so many employees working on this project at any one moment. Most construction materials had to be transported to the site of construction from various locations within this country. After the invasion by the Afghani generals, the temple was destroyed and had to be put under renovation. This demanded for a labor force that would be in a position to fix the temple properly, despite the destruction. In 1984’s Operation Blue Star, the Indian soldiers destroyed the temple largely. The temple was once again put under renovation to what it is currently. This also demanded a labor force with deep understanding of how renovation would be done to retain the initial design, while still embracing some elements of modernism. If It Were Built Today It is a fact that it has taken several hundreds of years since the Golden Temple was first erected in Amritsar in Northern Punjab, India. Most of the architectural designs that were used in the construction of this building have also changed. When this building was to be built today, a number of changes may be made on the Temple, but most of structural designs would remain intact. The exterior part of the temple may remain unchanged because even the current temples are following this design in the contemporary world. The interior design of this temple may need a little change. For instance, the expensive exotic ornaments that were designed to be part of the interior would be reduced or even be eliminated. The expenses used in decorating the temple with gold would be directed to other areas of need. The temple, if it were to be built today, would have taken much less time than it to ok for its initial construction. This is because when it was being constructed, the level of technology was not as sophisticated as it is today. The workers at the site would have used large cranes to move heavy objects from the ground to higher heights instead of human using labor. Human labor is unreliable and ineffective because the output is always low. Machines and modern technology would speed up the construction of the building. Works Cited Arshi, Pardeep. The Golden Temple: History, Art, and Architecture. New Delhi: Harman Publishers, 1989. Print. Kapur, Singh. The Golden Temple: It is Theo-Political Status. Patiala: Academy of Sikh Religion Culture, 1984. Print. Mohinder, Singh. The Golden Temple. New Delhi: UBS Publishers’ Distributors in association with National Institute of Punjab Studies, 2002. Print. This essay on Golden Temple (Amritsar, India) was written and submitted by user Brice Strickland to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Insecurities among teenagers Essays

Insecurities among teenagers Essays Insecurities among teenagers Paper Insecurities among teenagers Paper It is inevitable that people deal with insecurities differently. Some people may have a positive look on it while others may have a negative view on it. Schlemiel points out in his book, Teen Suicide (2011), that the dealing of insecurities leads to ones make or break. Schlemiel stresses that teenagers should NOT try to handle situations on their own, but rather talk about the problems theyre facing and making the most out of it. Doing the complete opposite, the negative approach to insecurities, has led to physical combat, severe depression, self- harm, and a lot more sad outcomes. Schlemiel discussed that insecurities do not only break but they do make with proper dealing. According to Iowa State University, there are a lot of problems each teenager faces regarding insecurities. Hormonal changes or puberty can trigger insecurity. The same hormones that trigger physical changes during puberty also set off a series of emotional changes. Teenagers emotions are more that not constant, theyre completely unstable; from being in a euphoric state of happiness to extreme mourning of sadness happen all in a snap. These emotional changes might also include shyness or insecurity. Another global problem is being insecure of ones body image. As a teenager, ones body is growing and changing because of puberty. Hair grows practically everywhere, and in this generation, body image is very important. It is important to have a fit body in order to be accepted by the society. Bullying is another very common scenario for teenagers stresses Sands Stretch in her article Facts About Insecurity in Teens (2014). If one is already shy and insecure, and is being bullied, it makes them feel much worse about who they are, what they do, and what they stand for. Facing insecurities is already hard for a person and it being pointed out by other people makes a person feel even worse. Jessica Sanchez, American Idol contestant year 201 2, said that in the Philippines, a common insecurity of Filipinos is their skin color, especially for women. Most of the Filipinos say that having whiter skin is more beautiful. Even in social media, Filipinos want lighter or whiter skin tone; even having fused with foreign bloodline is better. Also, Filipinos nose structure is insecurity. They dont like how their noses look like. Locally, Databases are insecure because of stereotypes. Databases are Ewing stereotyped as people who still live in a mountain-like environment. People who havent been to Dave think that Dave City is still undeveloped. They think that Dave is similar to a mountain province where there are no roads, malls, and technology is scarce. Just because Dave City is in Mindanao where mountains surround it, they mark Databases as primitive and uncivilized. The researchers conducted this study to know more about insecurities and how it affects a teenagers life, to know if there are bridges to the gaps between a teenagers insecurities and their contentment, and to know if this an help lessen a teenagers insecurity. Statement of the Problem The study sights the connection or relationship Of peoples experiences regarding insecurities and its causes and solutions. In short, is there way of answering, guiding, or helping people in times of insecurity outbursts? These are the following questions that partake on the problem: 1 . Why are people prone to insecurities, especially teenagers? 1. 1 Differences 1. 2 Social Acceptance 1. 3 Perfection 2. How can these insecurities amongst society be lessened or eradicated? 2. 1 Guidance and Counseling 2. 2 Comfort and Affirmation 3. What lessons does one gain when overcoming insecurities? 3. 1 Faith in oneself 3. 2 Contentment PART 2: Review Of Related Literature There are thousands of diverse cultures that compose the world. Different races, beliefs, characters and personalities walk on the same ground, breathe the same air, and yet live very distant lives. Each individual possesses distinct characteristics. Venezuelan have their exotic tan skin, Koreans have their innovative attitude, and the world has a lot more of magnificent designs. The problem all boils down to the fact of distribution. Differences are more than inevitable. They are and always will be present. Teenagers, generally everyone, handle these differences differently. Others may take this positively while some take it negatively. Those who take it negatively are the ones who experience having doubts of themselves, mainly causing insecurities. They do not look at these differences as something unique and something that they could be proud of, but rather a lapse in humanity. Ashley Fern (2013) stated that there are two kinds of people: the happy and the unhappy. There are people who are so insecure about everything that they lack self-confidence and become introverts and stray from immunization with others. And there are people who are happy and confident. But every individual is unique. Some people are fat, while others are thin. Some people are fabulous, while others are simple. Some people are creative, while others are dull. Everyone is different from head to toe, and from mind to soul. These differences could lead to different insecurities. People are just not contented with what they have. Everyone has different personal abilities, which can make one insecure about his own ability. Another reason for insecurities is social acceptance. Teenagers are all about he hip, the new, and the in. They want to be accepted by the society so they follow the trends. They seek and long for something that they do not have. Whatever the means may be, they force themselves to the impossible because when that impossible is not reached they feel that they are not worthy. When they feel this certain feeling, they lose every ounce of confidence they have. They are insecure of themselves. The creator of Internal Acceptance Movement (I. A. M. ), Daniel (2013), brings to us her life story of acceptance, and her undertaking. According to her, insecurities can also be related to social acceptance. What if they Will laugh at me? What if they dont like me? What if people will hate me? These questions are often from those who are experiencing social anxiety. They feel insecure whenever they are with other people. They have this feeling that they are not accepted by the society, maybe because of what they wear, what they like or how they move. They are afraid of being judged by other people. Lastly is perfection. According to Paulo Cello (201 3), world-renowned writer, we usually strive toward being perfect to compensate for a sense of inadequacy. Cello also stresses that perfection disguises insecurity. It becomes a statement wherein people say that they are not good enough, so they need to be this and that. Teenagers desire to reach perfection because to them, it is to reach the standards of the world. This has corrupted the self- esteem and well being of the people, especially teenagers. Those who seek perfection are said to be more sensitive about the judgments of others. One of the most common things to do when facing insecurity is reading a book, getting counseling, or simply telling a friend. Counseling is one of the cost remarkable methods when dealing with insecurities in the world, and dealing with insecurities is just one of its purposes. Reading books on the topic has also been the way of getting through emotions and problems. Browsing through verses, chapters, and books, one could see the marvel of life. Respective are given new pavements and minds broadened to the positive outcome of insecurities Guidance and counseling. There are a lot of people, especially teenagers that need help on the roads they are taking. Sherry Morgan wrote in her article, How to Overcome Emotional Insecurity (2015), that it is important to seek unseeing when one is feeling his or her emotional insecurities are due to other issues, such as an obstacle that may have affected ones outlook in life. Sometimes a person is unable to cope with certain events, such as death. Attending regular sessions with a counselor is also helpful in overcoming ones insecurities. Counselors help their patients to overcome insecurities through the useful advises they give. Guidance and counseling doesnt really mean that one needs to see a psychiatrist or a counselor. One can just ask his or her parents, friends, or relatives for some advices on overcoming insecurities. One doesnt need to spend money in seeking advice as Morgan tries to remind. Advices dont necessarily just come from experts. Also, it is very helpful for guidance from other people in order to lessen ones insecurities. He or she doesnt need to experience some insecurity once there is someone guiding him or her. Teenagers usually get lost or confused in the paths they should choose to follow. They usually follow whats trending, and what other teenagers do. Sometimes, they just need people to guide them and to remind them of the qualities they have; they just need other people to counsel them or even imply listen to the things they have to say. Also, there are times when teenagers just want to let it all out. This means that they just want to tell or share their feelings and insecurities to other people. For some, they may need to hear some advice, but there are also some people who just want to say it out loud with out needing to get an advice. Comfort and affirmation. Teenagers often forget what their capabilities and characteristics that make them unique from other teenagers are, which lead to being insecure. Teenagers are just insecure because they dont have confidence and faith in themselves. They dont have the confidence to face their insecurities and discover new things for themselves. They just want to go for what is safe or what is being accepted by society. Sharon Martin (2014) shares that being comforted and being affirmed is really helpful for teens who are facing a series of insecurities. It has a big impact, and it helps build ones confidence when someone affirms the one experiencing insecurities. Affirmation of ones capabilities is very helpful in building confidence because it reminds them of even the tinniest things they should be proud Of. Sometimes, for other teenagers, they find comfort from rods of affirmation, a love language, and from other people. Teenagers just need to hear or be reminded of what the best things in them are. They need to hear it from other people than them seeing it in themselves. Also, parents comfort and love for their children play a big role in lessening their insecurities. Sometimes children, in this case, teens want to make their parents proud. Children also want that their parents to always be present in sharing the trials and the victories. To them, there is comfort in support. Comfort from parents is still very different from the comfort they receive from other people. After such counseling, one cannot help but learn new things for the brighter beginning. Overcoming insecurities is not a one-time thing. They come and go whenever you they want to, or whenever you let them. But once youve been there, the lessons are to be remembered. People build up faith in themselves, and they are contented of what they have. One could finally say goodbye to those insecurities. Faith in oneself. As Melissa Nag uttered in her article, How to Believe In Your Self in the Face of Overwhelming Self-Doubt (2014), teens tend to lose faith in themselves when dealing with insecurity. Having doubts in oneself dominates very little thing in the mind and sets a standard that lessens the opportunity in achieving the goal at its best. It degrades the self-confidence that is trying to put them up yet beats them down due to the critical thinking that runs different expressions of pin ions that they might expect from others. This problem is not necessary in life. Self-doubt can never be taken away in ones life. It is like a ghost that haunts you every now and then. When it strikes people, it consumes the confidence, hinders reasoning and logic from the head, and purloins happiness from the heart, thus, leaving dread and insecurity in peoples intellects. People try to be optimistic in handling self- doubt but it does not work because this eventually chases you more. Since Melissa was a child, drawing has been her best friend. For her, drawing is a part of her life that will always be in her heart. There was this time in her childhood when she decided that she wanted to be an artist someday but sadly many commentators brought her down and quickly judged her. They said that she could not have a dream that was not practical and realistic. They said that being an artist is just some kind of hobby and one cannot make a vying out of it. As a child, she thought that adults were always right so she took that negative message and internalized it. For years, she had that self-doubt kept in her mind that she cannot do it. She was afraid that people might not accept nor like her art. She was afraid Of being rejected as an artist and was starting to question her knowledge and abilities. The little problem that runs on her mind is like venom of fear and self-doubt that ran all over her. But then, she realized that trying to beat insecurity or self-doubt would still not gain her much confidence. Insecurity Anton be beat. Instead of saying, What If I fail? she responded by saying, Then Ill try again. Working on this condition will transform negative thoughts in to an opportunity for growth. In this way, people will give themselves a chance to be renewed and have faith in them. Next is contentment. Contentment is a state of happiness that does not concern the missing material things, but the concrete ones that one has and can be proud of. Contentment. Children started their journey in life with happiness and they were practically problem-free. Being children, they can do silly things without eating embarrassed. By the time they become teenagers, their mind will be more matured and they cannot do those silly things anymore because of peers and embarrassing situations. Their minds will change the aspect on how they Cope with their surroundings. Teenagers judge their fellow teens quickly. They are not hesitant to doubt and criticize others. Some teenagers think that their lives are miserable for the uncertain faults and lack of discipline that theyve encountered. They think that their lives are dejected. Leo Beauty (2013) said that the problem is not with the society, but it is thin. Teenagers most probably do not trust themselves. If they do not trust themselves, they obviously do not like their character. Also, they judged themselves badly. They tend to compare themselves to others. Teenagers are not contented with what they have. Contentment is a must when it comes to being happy. It is a way of changing views from whys to why not. It is making a move for themselves, a move of choosing happiness and taking to account what they have and being happy, than to be unhappy with who they are and what they dont have. In the end, its all by choice. Make it, or break it. PART 3: Significance of the Study The study will be a big help in building self-esteem Of others. By understanding the emotional and social needs of people, there is encouragement of a better insecure-free society, and productive individuals are formed. It will guide insecure people to healthier and brighter futures. This study will also serve as a guide material for counselors and parents in dealing with such cases. Teenagers Teens are in the stage of which there are severe changes physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Insecurities take a big part of this time In life. This study would strengthen their self-esteem and would have positive outlooks on life, rather than sulking on what is and what is not. Parents Parents play a vital role in their childs life. Proper dealing with different problems molds the childs views and character. This study would allow parents to have an insight when dealing with scenarios involving insecurities. Counselors Counselors are secondary parents. They would be able to express more on the topic with this study.

What account for the deplorable conditions on the continent of Africa Essay

What account for the deplorable conditions on the continent of Africa - Essay Example Throughout the continent of Africa corruption is rampant. In order to receive even the most basic services Africans must pay bribes. In order for companies such as Shell to do business in Nigeria (ranked 121 in the world by Transparency International1) a huge amount of money must be paid out to local officials to â€Å"grease the wheels.† In hospitals, patients may have to put money in doctors’ consulting books in order to be treated. In schools, students may have to pay their teachers for passing grades.2 All of these situations are commonplace. Studies have shown that Africa loses $150 billion a year due to corruption and that products cost as much as 20 per cent more.3 It is impossible to measure how much more developed Africa would be at this moment had not a culture of corruption existed there for so long. In countries with poorly constructed, inefficient, and non self-enforcing constitutional rules, opportunistic behavior (including rent seeking) are usually quite pervasive. In such countries, the rules that regulate socio-political interaction, have failed to adequately constrain the government. As a result, state intervention in private exchange is equally pervasive. Excessive regulation of economic activities creates many opportunities for rent seeking, including bureaucratic corruption.4 Many public servants in Africa may have power to allocate resources, but they make small salaries. It is very easy for them to make a lot of money on the side by taking payments from special interests. Plus, public servants may have poor relatives who they are also supporting. They may not simply take bribes out of selfishness, but possibly to help feed their extended families. Nevertheless, it is clear that more rules and guidelines are required for public servants in their dealings with the private sector. Enforcement of such rules is desperately required.5 John Githongo argues that corruption usually begins at the top of a country’s leadership, and