To illustrate this point, consider that Microsoft, started in 1975, reached a peak equity market valuation of over $500 billion in 2000, yet is currently worth just over $200 billion (September 2010).
Madrid is a remarkable capital city with numerous interesting attractions that reveal an important history. The must sees of the city include Old Madrid, the Museo del Prado, the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), its gardens, Retiro Park, and the city's many fine and famous plazas.
Interesting towers to see. Nice place to start exploring parts of madrid inside and outside the centre. An area to 'discover' Madrid for yourself apart from just Sol and Gran Via. If you want the centre, bus 27 is a nice trip down paseo castellana, passing many wonderful buildings and cibeles and neptuno fountains.