Geometry, especially the notion of the "tilted square", plays a mathematical as well as a spiritual role in the ambitious project undertaken in this novel. According to the author, "The protagonist aims to build his project for a live, global information grid according to geometric principles that replicate those found in nature, according to the theories of Donald E. Ingber (see his article entitled The Architecture of Life, in The New Scientist) and of R. Buckminster Fuller."
| Contributed by
Debbie Gelbard
Reuven Sofer, land surveyor and musician, believes himself called to build a mega-project in Jerusalem as part of the universal Master Plan. To Ora, his chosen confidante, he declares his aim to bring planetary awareness to every citizen of the world. The project receives the name of Global Dawn, a group of supporters is formed and planning gets under way. Under his charismatic leadership a circle of project supporters is formed.
He enjoys the society of artists belonging to Tel-Aviv's bohemian fringe. Among them is a renowned sculptor and kabbalist who tells him of the alchemy
of dreamers - only they can perceive the treasures of the world. From Ariella, a craftswoman, he learns about the Maya, ancient monitors of time and universal rhythms. He receives a gift of a geomancy map of Jerusalem in which he finds that Nebi Samwil, his chosen location for Global Dawn, is a natural energy hub.
Later, a twelfth century Templar map comes to light that also points to the site's importance according to sacred geometry.
|
You can read more about the notion of the "tilted square" at Vermeer's Riddle Revealed. However, I find this whole notion very unconvincing. Mathematicians are, by nature, quite skeptical. At least in our professional lives, we are not supposed to believe claims without a convincing proof. In this case, I must say that I am not convinced. I seriously doubt that the classical artists made use of it, and strongly suspect that it would be possible to "find" such a tilted square in any sufficiently complicated picture by choosing the lines and points appropriately.
|
