How Technicolor Helped Defeat the Nazis

 

Some thinkers argue that the Nazis aspired to reshape occupied Europe according to their own cinematic vision, and Technicolor, an advanced American color technology, was among the factors that contributed to their downfall. This was due to Technicolor's superior quality compared to the parallel German color technology, Agfacolor.

Cinema played a central role in World War II, serving as a powerful propaganda tool for both the Allies and the Nazis. Color films, with their more realistic representation of the world, allowed viewers to connect with the story more deeply, evoke a wider range of emotions, and shape their perception of reality.

Colorful Hollywood films, shot in Technicolor, portrayed the United States as a technological and cultural powerhouse, encouraged enlistment in the military, contributed to national unity, and rallied support for the war effort. Moreover, in a world that had become "cinematic," where cinematic images shaped reality more than ever, the Nazis adopted their own cinematic worldview and systematically applied it to all aspects of life, including the planning and implementation of the Final Solution.  Attention to visual appearance characterized all stages of the Nazi mechanism, from concentration camps to extermination camps.

Color enhanced the perception of perspective, the human ability to understand and deal with concepts and problems in three-dimensional space. In this way, color gave films depth and an added dimension, which strengthened their impact on viewers. In occupied European countries, such as France, where American films were screened alongside German films, the technological quality of color served as a measure of each power's superiority.

Epic widescreen films, both American and German, used color to enhance the viewing experience and give historical and mythological stories greater credibility and effectiveness. Color added great value to these films in the eyes of viewers and helped them connect with the content and messages conveyed. Moreover, color allowed the "flight of the human spirit," a recurring motif in many children's and youth films, to be presented in a more convincing and vivid way, thereby reinforcing the message of freedom and hope.

In conclusion, while it is difficult to argue that Technicolor alone decided the war, there is no doubt that its superior quality contributed to the propaganda and cultural superiority of the United States and helped it achieve victory not only on the battlefield but also in the battle for public opinion.

From Technicolor to ILM
There is a certain similarity between the impact of Technicolor in World War II and the impact of George Lucas's Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) technology. In both cases, innovative and groundbreaking American technology contributed to establishing the United States' status as a leading power. Technicolor gave Hollywood films a significant visual advantage, and ILM revolutionized special effects in cinema. Both technologies greatly influenced popular culture. Technicolor created a rich and spectacular viewing experience, and ILM opened up a new world of visual possibilities in film and television. Both technologies contributed to the image of the United States as an innovative and creative power, capable of leading in technological and cultural fields.

Quantum Theory, Computing and Flight

 
Cinema and aviation, two revolutions that transformed the 20th century, have woven a unique and fascinating bond. Aviation, as a symbol of innovation and freedom, has provided cinema with endless inspiration, while cinema, as a medium of immense cultural power, has shaped our perception of aviation and its relentless pursuit of progress.
Aviation, representing innovation, freedom, and adventure, has served as a wellspring of inspiration for countless stories in cinema. From adrenaline-fueled action films set in the skies to romantic dramas unfolding against the backdrop of long flights, aviation has provided cinema with a diverse range of settings, plots, and unforgettable characters. 
Simultaneously, cinema has shaped cultural perceptions of aviation, often portraying it as a glamorous and exhilarating activity. Cinematic images of heroic pilots and elegant flight attendants have profoundly influenced how people perceive the world of aviation.
Cinema and aviation together have sparked inspiration and innovation  in various fields. Science fiction films have presented futuristic visions of spaceflight, igniting the imaginations of scientists and engineers, politicians and educators.
Cinema and aviation, much like the Age of Exploration and the Renaissance, are distinct expressions of humanity's ceaseless drive to innovate, explore, and transcend boundaries. Aviation, akin to the voyages of the explorers during the Age of Discovery, has enabled humanity to reach new horizons, quite literally, and expand its perspectives. Cinema, like the perspective and art of the Renaissance, has opened a window into new worlds of imagination and creation, shaping our perception of reality. Now, quantum theory represents the new "Age of Exploration", promising breakthroughs in science, medicine, and technology.  Similar to these historical periods, it challenges the limits of our thinking and invites us to envision a future where possibilities once deemed impossible become reality.
The connection between quantum computing and the Renaissance period might seem tenuous at first glance, yet a central point of similarity lies in their emphasis on three-dimensionality as a key tool for understanding the world.
In the Renaissance, the discovery of scientific perspective allowed artists to represent the world more realistically, utilizing depth and three-dimensionality in their paintings. This breakthrough led to a revolution in art, architecture, and the perception of space in general.
Similarly, quantum computing is based on quantum principles that enable the representation of information in a more complex and multi-dimensional manner than classical computing. This ability to process information in such a way opens doors to unprecedented developments in numerous fields, from medicine (developing new drugs) and materials science, from creating materials with enhanced properties to the discovery of new scientific breakthroughs. Just as the Age of Exploration, where 3D, in the sense of mapping the world and understanding its spherical shape, led to the discovery of new places and broadened horizons, so too might quantum computing, with its unique multi-dimensional capabilities, lead us to a new era of discoveries and technological advancements.
Quantum computing is a groundbreaking field that harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics, which is based on the electrons of an atom, rearranged to perform calculations. Unlike conventional computers that rely on "bits" which can only be 0 or 1, quantum computers utilize "qubits''. These qubits can exist in a state of superposition, meaning they can be both 0 and 1 simultaneously. Another unique property of qubits is "entanglement", which allows them to be intimately linked, so that an action on one qubit instantaneously affects all other entangled qubits, regardless of the distance between them.
This computation is carried out in conditions of near absolute zero temperature, which provides the electrons with a stable three-dimensional environment. Their operation within this three-dimensional space allows them to encompass any subject from all angles. The result is that they are capable of creating a perfect representation of reality.  Because of this, some researchers compare the operation of a quantum computer to the operation of the entire universe.
It will be possible to create an accurate picture of the world through them, since their computing units are electrons, like the atomic particles that make up the universe.
The size of quantum computers is growing exponentially. This is due to their fundamental structure, which is based on qubits. Unlike bits in classical computers, which can only be 0 or 1, qubits can be 0, 1, or both simultaneously. This unique property, which allows quantum computers to represent multiple values at the same time, means that as more qubits are added to a quantum computer, the number of possible states increases exponentially. For example, a quantum computer with 3 qubits can be in one of 8 possible states, while a quantum computer with 30 qubits can be in one of a billion possible states.
As a result, the power of a quantum computer is millions of times greater than that of a classical computer. Problems that would take today's supercomputers many years to solve, or that they are not capable of solving at all, can be solved by a quantum computer in an instant.
In the realm of the personal online universe, quantum computing will have a profound impact. Higher quality streaming, coupled with new algorithms for data analysis and machine learning, will enhance the ability of social networks and artificial intelligence applications to understand users and provide them with personalized content. Virtual reality worlds will become far more realistic. Telepathic communication, and even interstellar communication, will become practical.
One of the most prominent areas where quantum computing may greatly assist is in the development of atomic fusion reactors, which produce controlled atomic energy, in contrast to the atomic bomb that releases uncontrolled energy. Already today, such experimental reactors produce, for a very short time, a greater amount of energy than that required to produce it. Such reactors could be used to produce unlimited electricity. Such a fusion reactor could also be used as an engine for aircraft.
In the field of cinema, quantum computing will enable the creation of virtual worlds, animations, and special effects that are far more realistic and spectacular. Films in three-dimensional holograms that look exactly like reality, from a different angle on each side, without the need to use 3D glasses, will be perfected. Autonomous creation of films, whereby the filmmaker feeds a few minimal basic data into the computer, and it uses them to create a long and detailed film, will be easy and impressive.
The development and implementation of quantum computers is already well underway. Governments of superpowers like the US and China, companies like Google and Microsoft, and various research institutes have already established quantum computers with substantial investments. There is intense competition in this field, based on the certainty that whoever dominates this domain will also dominate global science and technology, security and cyber, energy, and economy. The development of metals and medicines, engineering and economic calculations, algorithms and encryption, are some of the immediate areas where quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize.
The quantum revolution is a foreseeable and well-founded process that has passed the experimental stage. The expectation is that by 2030 they will become widespread, and their areas of application will greatly expand, with interaction with them becoming as commonplace as with classical computers.

Perdix - The Story of Icarus's Nephew

 

Perdix was the name of Icarus's nephew and Daedalus's apprentice. The word "Perdix" has meaning in Greek, and it has influenced words in various languages, including the international language. In Greek, the word "Perdix" (Περδίκκας) is composed of two words: "peri" (περί) meaning "around" or "concerning," and "dike" (δίκη) meaning "justice" or "judgment." Therefore, the meaning of the name "Perdix" is "he who cares for justice" or "he who surrounds justice." The name "Perdix" was common in ancient Greece.

From the Greek word "Perdix," words in various languages have been derived, such as Perdrix in French and English, where it is the name of the partridge bird, which runs on the ground but is unable to fly.

In these languages, the word "prediction" is also derived from the word "Perdix," meaning prophecy or forecasting.

In philosophy and literature, the word "prediction" is used to describe the process of predicting or forecasting future events based on existing knowledge. The word also symbolizes the search for justice and truth, the desire to understand the world and act morally.

Perdix was the son of Daedalus's sister, and he learned the art of construction and engineering from his uncle. He was a very talented young man, a brilliant student, and even invented innovative tools like the saw. Unfortunately, his story ended in tragedy: Daedalus, who felt jealous of his nephew's talent and feared that he would take the place of his beloved but slower natural son, Icarus, pushed Perdix from the roof of the temple of Athena. The goddess of wisdom took pity on Perdix and turned him into the bird named after him - the partridge. Afterward, Daedalus and Icarus fled to Crete. As punishment for the murder, Daedalus was ultimately condemned to witness the death of Icarus falling from the sky with the wings he had built for him.

Sometimes parents want their children to fulfill at all costs the dreams that they themselves failed to achieve. The father wants his son to continue the marathon race that he started but failed to finish. Now it is the son's turn to continue from that point and win. There is a significant difference between the desire for the son to fulfill the father's dreams at all costs and the desire for the son to conservatively take his place. Continuing the path at all costs reflects an expectation that the son will fulfill the father's hidden dreams and desires, which is what Daedalus sought for his natural son Icarus to fulfill. The worldview that reflects an expectation that the son will conservatively fill the role that the father filled and inherit his profession and status is similar to the role that Perdix filled. Both approaches, if not balanced, can lead to a tragic end. The story of Daedalus, Perdix, and Icarus may serve as a warning sign and illuminate the complexity of transferring legacy and expectations between generations.

The character of Perdix, in the context of the invention of the saw, teaches about the preference for systematicity and immediacy over the aspiration to fulfill dreams. Daedalus was the son of the king of Athens, and it is possible that his true desire was to be the heir to the throne. Perdix, on the other hand, represented a more practical and rational approach, aimed at achieving control and order in the world. His character can be interpreted as representing the practical and rational side of human nature. Unlike Daedalus, he is not drawn to big dreams or long-term plans. He prefers the immediate, the obvious, what can be achieved here and now. The saw, as a working tool, symbolizes dismantling and cutting. Icarus, on the other hand, following his father's desire, represents the desire for freedom and breaking boundaries. He prefers the dramatic experience, even at the cost of risk and self-destruction.

Organizations constantly face the need to make decisions, both small and large. Often, these decisions involve a dilemma between maintaining the status quo and innovating and taking risks. The characters of Perdix and Icarus are suitable to serve as different metaphors for the ways in which organizations approach the decision-making process:

Perdix represents the analytical approach, the attempt to predict the future. Organizations that operate like Perdix invest significant resources in collecting and analyzing data to make informed and rational decisions. This approach can lead to growth and innovation, but also to paralysis and slow decision-making. These organizations prefer to stay in their comfort zone and make decisions based on prior knowledge and experience. This approach can be effective in the short term, but it can lead to stagnation and lack of development in the long run.

Icarus, on the other hand, represents the innovative approach, the desire to fulfill dreams and break boundaries. Organizations that operate like Icarus encourage creativity, initiative, and risk-taking. This approach can lead to breakthroughs and the creation of significant value, but also to failures and painful falls. Like Icarus, these organizations strive for innovation and are not afraid to take risks. This approach can lead to dazzling success, but it also carries the risk of failure.

Despite their revolutionary contribution, inventions like the jet plane and the video cassette can also be seen as examples of the preference for immediacy. Similar to the saw, which allows for quick cutting and dismantling, the video cassette and the jet plane offer quick and efficient solutions to human needs. These inventions allow people to control time and space, streamline processes, and shape reality according to their wishes. Both inventions contributed to the rise of consumer culture, where the immediate satisfaction of desires becomes a central value.

Before the invention of the video cassette, watching movies was limited to screening times in cinemas or television broadcasts. The video cassette made it possible to watch movies anytime, anywhere, immediately, without dependence on an external schedule. It gave the viewer complete control over the content, with the ability to pause, rewind, and jump between different segments.

The jet plane dramatically shortened flight times and made it possible to reach distant destinations quickly and easily. It allowed people to overcome the limitations of time and space and experience the world immediately and in the present, and it significantly contributed to the processes of globalization, which are characterized, among other things, by the rapid pace of information and goods exchange.

Daedalus pushes Perdix from the roof to his death, 

and the goddess transforms him into a partridge during his fall.

Light and Flight

 

The word "light" holds a fascinating duality, encompassing both "illumination" and "lightness." An additional layer in English, "flight," adds a captivating dimension of escape, ascension, and soaring, much like the act of flying. This connection between light, lightness, and flight recurs throughout history in numerous works and can also be found in the works of great thinkers.

For instance, Albert Einstein incorporated "light" into his famous equation, E=MC², thereby linking the immense energy contained within matter to the speed of light. His theory of relativity demonstrates how movement at high velocities, approaching the speed of light, affects the perception of time and space, creating a sense of expansion and elevation, a kind of "flight" into new realms of cosmic understanding.

Similar to Einstein, the Greek poet Odysseus Elytis connected the external light, the bright sunlight of Greece, with the lightness of the soul and its liberation from the heavy mass of the oppressive past. His work is akin to a journey, a poetic "flight," in which a person rises above the shadows of the past, shakes off the weight of burdens, and ascends toward light and freedom. His poems are filled with images of light, sea, sky, and birds, symbolizing the aspiration for spiritual elevation, to escape ("flight") from the confining reality into the expanses of imagination and creation.

The connection between light, lightness, and "flight" is also distinctly expressed in the art of cinema. Cinema, as an art based on light and shadow, uses lighting to create atmosphere, emphasize emotions, and tell a story. Moreover, camera movement, which often simulates the motion of flight or hovering, contributes to the sense of "flight," of detachment from the ground and from everyday reality. Many films use visual imagery of flight, either explicitly, such as in scenes of airplane or spaceship flights, or implicitly, through high-angle shots, flowing camera movements, and the use of special effects that create an illusion of levitation. In many films, physical or metaphorical flight serves as a means of expressing the desire for freedom, spiritual elevation, and the crossing of boundaries.

The connection between "light" in its various meanings – illumination, lightness, and "flight" (escape, aviation) – highlights the link between the physical world, the world of matter and energy, and the spiritual world, the world of emotion and imagination. Sunlight, as well as cinematic light, as a symbol of knowledge, truth, and freedom, enables "flight," the spiritual elevation and liberation from all that binds us, whether it be physical or emotional weight.

The Airplane - Dream and Reality

The Dream of Flight

The concept and aspiration of flight have captivated humanity since the dawn of history. Bound to the earth, humans gazed enviously at the birds soaring above, dreaming of the day they could join them and conquer the skies. Numerous attempts were made to imitate the flight of birds, from mythological tales like Icarus and Daedalus to the daring experiments of inventors throughout the ages. Yet, despite these earnest endeavors, most attempts ended in disappointment and failure. Successes were few, flights were short and unstable, and the dream of safe and efficient flight seemed further away than ever. Humanity realized that conquering the skies required a significant technological breakthrough.

False Dawns

This breakthrough arrived in the form of three remarkable inventions that promised to revolutionize the world of aviation: the hot air balloon, the airship, and the glider. Each sparked great excitement and curiosity, and it seemed that humanity had finally found the way to conquer the air. However, despite their initial promise, within a relatively short period of a few decades, these three inventions proved unsuitable for realizing the full vision. The hot air balloon was at the mercy of the winds, the airship was cumbersome and vulnerable, and the glider had limited control over its flight path. These inventions became resounding failures, leaving humanity disappointed that the technology capable of carrying masses of people into the skies had not yet been found.

The Wright Brothers' Triumph

But then, with the invention of the airplane by the Wright brothers at the beginning of the 20th century, the picture changed completely. The airplane, with its innovative design, efficient wings, and sophisticated control system, finally proved that the skies could be conquered safely and efficiently. It ushered in a new era of possibilities, revolutionizing transportation, commerce, military, and culture. Unlike the failed flying machines that preceded it, the airplane has proven to be a promising invention for over a century, continuing to evolve at a dizzying pace, from piston-engine aircraft to jet aircraft and sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicles.

Taking Flight and Expanding Minds

The invention of the airplane not only fulfilled humanity's dream of flight but also opened up new possibilities for spatial thinking and perception of the world. The airplane's complete control over movement in the air fulfilled another long-held dream of humanity: the unlimited expression of perspective, the three-dimensional thinking that deepens our understanding of spatial relationships, a cognitive tool of the highest order. The ability to move freely in three-dimensional space changed the way we perceive the world and the relationships between objects within it.

Dreamers and Doers

Throughout the development of modern aviation, those involved were divided into two types: dreamers and doers. The dreamers envisioned fantastic visions of effortlessly conquering the air, imagining floating cities and fantastical flying machines. But alongside the dreamers were the doers, the engineers, inventors, and pilots who progressed step by step, experiencing failures and losses along the way. Progress in aviation was the result of a combination of bold vision and meticulous work, of wild imagination and complex engineering reality.

Aviation as Ideology or Tool

In parallel to technological development, two social and political approaches to the idea of aviation emerged: aviation as consciousness and aviation as awareness. Societies that championed aviation as consciousness saw it as a dreamlike vision, capable of uniting their underdeveloped nations and propelling them to the forefront of modernity. Aviation served as an ideological tool for shaping national consciousness and fostering pride and patriotism. Societies that championed aviation as awareness saw it merely as a means to advance the individual and society, carefully avoiding its transformation into an ideological tool. Aviation was perceived as a useful tool for transportation, commerce, and research, but not as a defining factor of national identity. This difference in approach highlighted the distinction between dictatorships and democracies in the 20th century, with dictatorships advocating aviation as consciousness and democracies advocating aviation as awareness.

Anthropomorphism:

Aviation's Third Way

Between the world of dreamers and the world of doers, between aviation as consciousness or awareness, exists a third perspective that allows us to understand the significance of aviation and its unique place in the human experience: the perspective of anthropomorphism. While dreamers aspire to transcend the limitations of physical reality and fly on the wings of imagination, and doers focus on realizing dreams through technology and development, anthropomorphism bridges the two worlds. It allows us to perceive the airplane not just as a flying machine, but as an entity with human qualities, a kind of "flying human" that fulfills the dreams of both worlds.

Holistic Experience

Aviation, as perceived from this perspective, is not just physical movement through space, but also a journey of consciousness and spirit. It allows us to experience the world from a new perspective, to rise above the limitations of everyday life, and to feel a sense of freedom and liberation. The anthropomorphism of the airplane allows us to understand aviation as a holistic experience, combining dream and reality, consciousness and action, and the human being with the world. It gives a deeper meaning to the experience of flight, transforming it into a meaningful human journey.

Enduring Power of Anthropomorphism

Anthropomorphism is a powerful tool that enables us to understand human history. Through it, we perceive historical events as the result of human actions, decisions, and their consequences. This approach allows us to understand motives, identify with the past, take responsibility, prevent dehumanization, and understand history as a human creation. Anthropomorphism, despite being an ancient source, remains important today, especially in light of the increasing emphasis on personal development at the expense of social development, which leads to a growing need for people to rely on their immediate tangible environment and seek meaning and support in sources like anthropomorphism, as a response to the social disconnect created by technology.

The Airplane as Icarus

The airplane, with its nose resembling a head, wings spread like arms, and a rear body and tail simulating legs, becomes an anthropomorphism of the human body. This image, echoing "Jesus on the cross" or "a man spreading his wings" against the backdrop of the clouds – a central source of inspiration for anthropomorphism – evokes deep religious and spiritual associations. It reinforces the idea that aviation, as an intense and personal experience reminiscent of spiritual flight, may contribute to the rise of extremist regimes. However, it is important to remember that the rise of such regimes is influenced by many other factors, and aviation and the anthropomorphism of the airplane are only one contributing factor to this phenomenon, alongside other social, economic, and political factors.

Shared Wings of Aviation and Cinema

Feature films, like airplanes, are a clear expression of anthropomorphism. Both are technologies that allow us to experience the world in a new and powerful way, and both use anthropomorphism to create a deeper emotional experience. The airplane, in its human-like form, evokes feelings of freedom and liberation reminiscent of spiritual experiences. Cinema breathes life into characters and stories through a variety of techniques, creating imaginary worlds that feel real. Both create an illusion of reality, use movement, evoke emotions, and enhance the human experience. Cinema, in addition, turns human stories into a collective dream and uses symbols and metaphors to convey complex messages and ideas.

The Domino Effect That Led to World War I

Only ten years and 226 days separated the Wright brothers' first flight in 1903 from the outbreak of World War I, yet the connection between them runs deeper than expected. This decade, which witnessed the birth of the aviation age, was saturated with rising geopolitical tensions, extreme nationalism, arms races, and imperialist competition. These factors, coupled with a complex alliance system and recurring international crises, created fertile ground for the eruption of a global war. The assassination of the Austrian Archduke was merely the spark that ignited the flames of war already smoldering beneath the surface. The Balkan Wars, which preceded World War I by a few years, further exacerbated tensions, influenced the alliance system, and served as a "dress rehearsal" for the great conflict.

World War I erupted as a result of a "domino effect," a chain reaction of events where each event triggers the next, similar to dominoes falling one after another. Both the invention of the airplane and the invention of cinema were based on the understanding of continuous motion, and can be seen as expressions of the domino effect. In both cases, a chain of small, sequential events creates a significant outcome: the airplane depends on constant motion in the air for flight, and in cinema, a sequence of still images creates the illusion of motion and life on screen.

The domino effect that led to World War I was exacerbated by the invention of the airplane, which heightened political instability and impacted the global balance of power. The airplane influenced the military aspect, increased the potential for escalation, and altered the balance of power. Similar to the airplane, cinema also contributed to the domino effect: it reinforced nationalism and shaped public perception of war. Furthermore, both the airplane and cinema, which emerged and developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, stood in stark contrast to the prevailing spirit of the era dominated by absolute monarchies. These regimes emphasized obedience, conformity, and centralized control, while the airplane and cinema symbolized freedom, independence, and critical thinking.

This connection between technology, consciousness, and war is also emphasized in Giulio Douhet's book "The Command of the Air," which predicted the central role of air power in future wars. The inspiration for writing the book stemmed from the author's participation in the Italo-Turkish War of 1911-1912. During this war, the author witnessed firsthand the aerial bombings carried out by Italian forces, a first in history. They profoundly influenced his perception of the future of warfare, which he envisioned as based on the subjugation of the civilian rear in cities through strategic bombing.

Today's drone and missile attacks, coupled with the growing use of the internet, are not merely a continuation of Douhet's theory, but also a contemporary manifestation of the enduring influence of the airplane and cinema on the nature of warfare. They underscore how technology and visual media are employed to achieve military and political objectives, and the complex challenges confronting societies grappling with these threats.

The Illusion of Movement in Gliding and Cinema

The glider, much like a leaf carried by the wind, moves along with it and remains stationary relative to the air. It stays at the same point within the air mass, as if it were a part of it. Only the movement of the landscape and the ground below reveals that it is indeed in motion. At times, despite moving through the air, a skilled pilot can harness the air currents and lift forces to stabilize the glider, creating a sensation of hovering, as if frozen in place despite the movement of the air.

The high-speed camera can also "freeze" motion. It captures images at an extremely high shutter speed, effectively "freezing" the movement of the subject and allowing us to see sharp, clear details even in rapid motion, like a bird's wings mid-flight or water droplets suspended in the air.

In both cases, it is the ability to control the perception of movement and create an illusion of stillness.

Gliding means many things to many different people. For some, it's a hobby and a way to meet like-minded individuals. For others, it's an affordable way to take to the skies. For many, it's an adventurous sport akin to car racing or aerobatics. But for all, it offers a quiet and peaceful way to fly without an engine. Gliding is the closest humans can come to experiencing the flight of a bird. Gliders are propelled solely by air currents and gravity, soaring silently through the skies, sometimes for hours at a time. They allow the pilot to experience the world from a different perspective, from a bird's-eye view.

Much like surfing, where the surfer "rides" the waves and harnesses the forces of nature, in gliding, the pilot becomes one with the wind, utilizing air currents to soar and navigate. The sense of freedom and tranquility, the detachment from the ground, and the connection to the forces of nature are values shared by both activities. This may be why gliding also attracts people from the alternative youth culture, who seek an authentic connection with themselves and their surroundings.

Cinema, a universal language and a powerful medium, stands at the crossroads of art, industry, technology, and politics. We owe its existence to daring inventors and artists who experimented with new technologies and sought to capture fragments of reality, creating an entirely new way of looking at the world. Before the era of digital, video, and celluloid, film was born as a collection of still images, projected one after another at high speed, thus creating the illusion of movement.

Drones as Litany

The word "Litany" has a few different meanings, but the most common one is:

A long and repetitive list or series of something, usually complaints or problems.

For example:

“The customer service representative had to listen to a litany of complaints about the faulty product.”

“The politician’s speech was just a litany of empty promises.”

The word originates in a religious context:

‘’Litany’’ is a prayer that includes a series of requests or supplications from the worshipper or the prayer leader, followed by repetitive responses from the congregation or group of worshippers.

For example, in a traditional prayer, the cantor might say "God! Please have mercy" and the congregation would respond "Have mercy, please have mercy." This repetition creates a sense of call and response, or a dialogue between the leader and the congregation.

The word's origin is in ancient Greek, λιτανεία (litaneía), which means "prayer, supplication." From there it passed into Latin (litania) and finally into English.

Although its religious origin is still in use, today the word litany is mostly used in a broader context to describe any long and repetitive list, usually of complaints or problems.

So, when someone says "a litany of..." they are emphasizing the length and repetitiveness of the list, often with a slightly negative connotation.

In the context of ‘’Drones’’ as the nickname inspired by the meaning of the word "refrain" for UAVs or unmanned aerial vehicles, the word "litany" can be used to describe: a list of negative claims or concerns about drones.

In these days of reciting the Selichot prayers in preparation for the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the supplications uttered in the wee hours of the night chillingly echo the harsh reality of the military conflict unfolding on the banks of the Litani River.

The Spiral Structure of Knowledge

 

The Circular Being:

Visual thinking makes extensive use of geometric shapes, and the circle is one of the most common. The circle is a geometric form with an immense influence on our lives. The circle, a perfect circular shape, is found everywhere around us, both in nature and in the man-made world.

Gaston Bachelard, in his book "The Poetics of Space," writes that being is circular. Circularity is built and developed in consciousness, becoming its permanent and established form, not as a simple fact but as a phenomenological thought, allowing us to affirm our existence from within.

The central poetic example he provides is that of the bird, which is complete circularity, the circular life. The bird is almost entirely spherical. It is a model of existence. Although the bird is perceived in flight as an arrow shot through the air, in its cosmic state, as a concentration of life protected on all sides, it is the being of circular life. 

The Spiral - From Simple Circle to Complex Form:

The simple yet perfect shape of the circle allows for the creation of a wide variety of more complex geometric shapes, based on a circle with a center. Hurricanes, wheels, propellers, camera lenses, and film reels - these are just a few of the many examples of the various appearances of the centered circle in everyday life.

A Universal Symbol of Growth and Knowledge

The spiral is one of the most important geometric shapes in human culture. It is constructed from a circle that begins at a central point and develops in a continuous line of increasingly larger circles to the outer edges. The unique shape of the spiral represents a unique knowledge structure and is widely used in many fields, such as art, architecture, and science.

From Propellers to Film Reels

Piston-engine propeller planes are an example of the integration between technology and a spiral knowledge structure. The propeller at the front of the plane symbolizes the rotational movement that characterizes the spiral shape. Nowadays, jet engines are common, whose propellers are not visible and are hidden within a casing. The helicopter, on the other hand, with its giant overhead rotor, continues to represent the evolving rotational movement.

The Celluloid Reel

Pre-digital cinema was characterized by large and heavy celluloid film reels that were installed in cameras and projectors. These reels are a representation of the spiral knowledge structure, as they contain ever-evolving content, from the beginning of the reel at its outer edge to its end at its center.

Further Examples of the Spiral Form:

The Ear

In the human body, the ear has a spiral shape. The ear closely resembles the posture of a fetus in its mother's womb.

Bird Thermals

Birds have been an avid subject of research and a source of knowledge since ancient times. Bird thermals have a spiral structure. Heavy birds, such as storks and eagles, need rising warm air currents to progress in their migrations. These warm air currents are created in the late morning hours when the ground heats up. During migration seasons, one can witness huge flocks of birds accumulating vertically and in an ever-growing circular motion until they reach the height where the warm air current ceases. From this point, they glide in the desired direction.

Thermals, as a meteorological phenomenon, were discovered in Germany in the late 1920s by glider pilots in the Rhön Mountains. This discovery made the sport of gliding much more significant. Glider pilots soared for many hours, covering distances of hundreds of kilometers and crossing national borders.

In powered aviation, there are "holding patterns" before landing, where planes circle the runway until, at the appropriate moment, they approach and descend towards it.

In Culture

Spiral labyrinths were known in ancient times. In the Middle Ages, spiral labyrinths were built in churches and served as a means for a symbolic journey to the center of the soul. From the European Renaissance onwards, the spiral labyrinth was constructed in magnificent gardens, composed of intricate paths separated by high hedges. Navigating a complex labyrinth has become a popular form of leisure to this day. Labyrinths are an integral part of the world of computer games and as a method of brain training for problem-solving.

However, although the spiral labyrinth is considered an integral part of culture, only a few books have been written about it. Postmodern thinkers mention the spiral, but they hardly discuss it beyond its basic presentation in various phenomena.

Various national, civilian, and military emblems reference the spiral shape. The rosette form, consisting of three circles of different colors nested within each other, which appears as a symbol on the fuselage of British and French aircraft, simulates the spiral shape. The swastika is another image.

Center-Periphery Relations

Center-periphery relations are a central component of human society. These relationships are also known as the "centripetal-centrifugal" pair of forces. Movement is possible in both directions, from the outside in and vice versa. These relationships exist as verbal and/or visual expressions and are sometimes combined with a distinct vertical dimension, as in the historical social-spatial movement "from village to city," and within the city, from the suburbs to the center.

The dynamics and energies embedded in the movements between the center and the periphery cause the connection between the two ends to be not in a straight line but rather curved, thus creating a spiral structure. The French Revolution, which occurred following the invention of the hot air balloon, is an example of a social-spatial spiral vortex.

The Spiral and Perspective

The spiral and perspective, seemingly two entirely different geometric shapes, share a hidden but significant connection. The spiral, in its constantly winding and expanding form, symbolizes movement, development, and continuous change. Perspective, on the other hand, creates an illusion of depth and dimension on a two-dimensional surface, representing the human attempt to perceive and understand the three-dimensional world around us. The connection between them lies in the perception of movement and change in space. When we observe perspective, our eye moves along the converging perspective lines, experiencing a sense of movement and depth. Similarly, the spiral, in its constant inward or outward motion, creates a sense of progression and regression in space. Both forms, therefore, reflect how we perceive and interpret the world around us, movement, change, and space, and provide us with visual tools to represent them.

The Labyrinth in the Legend of Daedalus and Icarus

In the story of the legend, there is one element, the labyrinth, that has become detached from the legend itself and has become an important model in its own right. The story of the Cretan labyrinth begins with King Minos' disappointment that his wife gave birth to a monstrous son, the Minotaur. He ordered Daedalus to build a spiral maze, the labyrinth, for him, and from time to time, he would sacrifice young Athenians to it, who were sent into its depths. One of them, Theseus, managed to overcome the maze by tying a thread to its entrance, reaching the Minotaur, killing it, and returning safely. Daedalus, fearing for his life, escaped from the island along with his son Icarus using wings he had built. Although seemingly there is no direct connection between the two events in the legend, they are united by the spiral shape, which expresses a journey to freedom.

In Art

The spiral in art can be positive or negative, visual or verbal, outward or inward-facing, and more. In the world of modern art, there are many works based on spirals, but they are usually unexplained and perceived as personal expressions. The spiral in them is seen as an artistic tool.

Religious Circumambulations and Circle Dances

Another type of spiral thought structure manifests in religious circumambulations and circle dances. A prominent example is the circumambulation around the Kaaba in Mecca, where throngs of believers circle the sacred stone, gradually attempting to approach and touch it while spiraling inwards, and then gradually retreat outwards from the circle. In Judaism, during the Simchat Torah celebrations, the Torah scroll holder stands at the center of the dancing circle, surrounded by rings of dancers, each taking turns to approach the center and kiss the scroll.

Other circumambulatory circle dances are more secular but widely practiced. These include dances around a marrying couple, where those closest to them alternate in the inner circle, or dances in alternative celebrations and joyous events, where the person being celebrated stands at the center, switching places after a certain time.

the ancient "Wheel of Spirits" in the Golan Heights	A spiral-shaped labyrinth in a garden in England
Spiritual spiral in Chartres Cathedral, France	Spiral knowledge structure in modern education

The Spiral Knowledge Structure in Education:

Abstract vs. Concrete Learning

The spiral knowledge structure in education is merely a framework for a predominantly verbal approach. The fundamental visual thinking involved has vanished. This is because the spiral knowledge structure represents abstract thinking, bordering on imagination, and is therefore not suitable for imparting to students within the formal education system.

Building Knowledge Step-by-Step

Educational knowledge structures have the form of a visual spiral ascending upwards. The student begins their studies in small, low circles of knowledge. New and broader circles are added above them, with each one being a continuous extension of the one below it.

Cognitive Constructivism

The organization of human knowledge according to a developing spiral structure is part of the theory of cognitive constructivism in education. The thinkers of this school, John Dewey and Jean Piaget, wisely saw intelligence as a concept that develops according to age, through increasing interaction with the environment. This theory also has moral value, as it identifies deep internalizations of developing knowledge, emotional involvement, and the need for socialization.

From Geography to Medicine

The spiral knowledge structure is very common in the field of pedagogy, but due to its development towards an undefined direction, of infinite knowledge expansion, it is a somewhat vague concept of higher-order thinking. The practical spiral model is mainly implemented in geography studies in field conditions. Such learning begins with a tangible stage of touring the area and ends with an abstract summary in the classroom. It is all done through multidisciplinary dialogue. The model is also applied in medical studies, as it offers, in ascending stages, formal learning, disease recognition, and practical specialization.

Vertigo - The Spiral of Silence:

The Primal Fear of the Void

According to Gaston Bachelard, the experience of imaginary falling, known in psychology as "vertigo," is a primal truth of the dynamic imagination. However, it does not exist in the aerial imagination as an invitation to a journey. For the most part, it is a journey into the void, the pit of absolute emptiness, the infinite fall, the plunge like a stone into the abyss where there is nothing. This is a primitive fear. It is found as a constant component in fears of different kinds, such as the fear of darkness. The subconscious is drawn to this basic life experience, but due to a lack of mental strength, there are no words to describe it.

Mass Media and the Unspoken

The spiral of silence, which is the fear of conceptual loneliness, is important in the study of mass communication, which is visual, associative, and lacks verbal clarifications. The imaginary fall in it often appears in the form of a vortex or a converging spiral.

The Deadly Grip of Vertigo in Flight

The feeling of terror, paralysis, loss of control, disorientation, and loss of connection with reality is a familiar phenomenon among flight and gliding trainees. In the skies, the trainee sometimes finds himself in sudden panic due to the fear of falling. He becomes fixated, in body and mind, on a flight path, unable to deviate from it in the slightest. As a result, he rapidly loses control of the aircraft and falls to his death, to the shock of those watching him.  

The Spiral Knowledge Structure in Cinema:

Many filmmakers utilize the spiral knowledge structure in their works. Despite this, only a few books exist on the subject.

Paul Virilio wrote that the purpose of cinema is to evoke an effect of vertigo in viewers. He described the vertigo effect as parallel to the effect created by a missile fired at top speed toward a visual target, causing the heads of all those watching it to spin.

"The Gold Rush" (1925) is an American silent comedy film directed, produced, written by, and starring Charlie Chaplin. The film tells the story of the Tramp, who arrives in Alaska during the Gold Rush and tries to find his fortune while encountering a gallery of characters in the town and on the mountain. The plot develops in an expanding spiral structure, repeatedly returning to the narrative and spatial starting point, the town's inn. The film is considered one of the best of all time.

"Vertigo" (1958) is an American psychological thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, which tells the story of a retired police detective, suffering from vertigo, who is hired by his friend to follow the friend's wife and begins to develop an affair with her. The film deals with the struggle between reality and illusion. This film is also considered one of the best of all time.

"Cold Mountain" (2003) is an epic film that tells the story of a Confederate army deserter at the end of the American Civil War, returning to his beloved, at a time when the South is controlled by extremist police militias. The spiral structure of the film is gradually created, from the soldiers' trenches at the front, through life in the rear, to the top of the mountain, where a fateful duel takes place.

"Eye in the Sky" (2015) is the most important of all the films made about drones. The film depicts a military operation conducted remotely using drones and cyberspace. A British colonel seeks to launch a drone missile at a house in Nairobi where terrorists are located, but there is a risk of harming a little girl. The spiral knowledge structure is prominent in the film. Center-periphery relations are presented in the plot as contrasts. The scenes from the center to the periphery and vice versa build the plot's progression. In parallel to the narrative, the cinematography in many scenes is also spiral, with the camera moving in and out between a focal point and open spaces.

The "James Bond" film series begins with a recurring opening sequence where the hero is seen through the barrel of a gun with a spiral groove.

The structure of a classic thriller film script, which begins with a broad presentation of the plot's theme, both verbally and visually, and continues with a search and investigation process from mystery to its resolution, necessitates extensive use of the spiral knowledge structure. The spiral knowledge structure in them, which develops between the concrete and the abstract, compensates for inevitable visual deficiencies.

Spiral labyrinth