THE TITLE (August 5, 2000)

Over dinner, I was talking with a friend about my work. When I mentioned one of my books, he asked me for its title. I could remember only the subtitle. Try as I might, I could not remember the title. I turned to Lauren for help. She was talking to another friend at the time. “An Introduction to Building Economics,” she said. “That’s the subtitle,” I raised my eyebrows, but I was impressed by her recollection. After a moment’s reflection, she came up with the title: “Building as an Economic Process.” I was truly impressed. “I now love her even more than before,” I beamed at everyone around the table. I was truly impressed.