All great things will end

It's fun to watch this video about the incredible care and craftsmanship that goes into the design and constructions of each Apple store.

The love and respect they have for the location, the building, the culture, the surroundings, and their desire to create an experience that inspires, over and above merely pushing merchandise (which, of course, they have mastered, precisely because that's not their highest goal), is astounding. I have such deep respect for what Apple has done.

And yet, while watching this, I can't help but think that some day, Apple will be on the decline, and these stores will start to feel a bit like a ghost town. I don't think it'll happen any time soon. Apple has such a lead on its competitors, who generally have no clue about what makes Apple so great. They keep looking to ideas and technology, when you and I know it's that it's because Apple is firmly rooted in something deeper than what can be perceived by the rational mind.

But in 50 or 100 years time, unless a new amazing and visionary leader has popped up in the meantime, Apple will be on the decline, and these stores will feel antiquated and desolate.

And that's what I couldn't help but reflect upon while watching the inspiring video.

Via 9to5mac via Daring Fireball.