Castle in the Air

We, humans, like to populate our linguistic landscape with pairs of mutually antagonistic objects and emotions. In doing so, we recognize the inherent duality in our own nature and the things that surround us. The contrast helps us see the difference with clarity, helps us feel undeniably. When we see an object rising in the air, we also see the obvious in it. That, it will fall. One invariably follows the other. Thus, Shelly's writes, "When winter comes, can spring be far behind?" Likewise, we ask, "When investment returns seem too good to be true, can the risk of losing be far behind?"
Although, I am far away from any of the world's financial centers, I felt the tremor due to the recent subprime rate tectonic movement under the financial districts of the world. Boy was that scary!
How did it happen? With all the smart analysts doing their job, it shouldn't have happened in the first place. Or, did the wizards of Wall Street believe too much in themselves that, for a brief moment, they thought they could build a castle in the air?
Greed is good. Do not spoil it.