The recent discussions surrounding the Egyptian obelisk in Paris involve claims of 'secret messages' and 'hieroglyphic cryptography'. However, commentators question the validity of these claims, arguing that the inscriptions appear straightforward and intended for public understanding rather than secrecy. They draw parallels between the obelisk's inscriptions and modern elaborate imagery, suggesting a symbolic rather than cryptographic intent. Additionally, curiosity about the cultural implications of placing such artefacts in foreign locations arises, along with concerns regarding their preservation amidst environmental damage.