Thanks to X-ray tomography, fragments of a 2,200 years
old mysterious object, the "Antikythera Mechanism", have been identified and the
object rebuilt.
It is a complex gear mechanism allowing the calculation of the position of the
sun, the moon, planets and the prediction of solar and lunar eclipses.
Experts say they are extremely surprised: "How is it possible for such an object
to be designed and built by the ancient Greeks, an era of thinkers and
philosophers but not of technical engineers!?"
Where does this tenacious "surprise" come from in the face of evidence
demonstrating the existence of a high development of theoretical and practical
reasoning in ancient times?
To confuse technological progress and human progress, and to believe that the
further we go back in the past the less we are likely to find something to learn
from, prevents any enlightening encounter with the cultural and spiritual
heritage of our own human history, thus isolating us in the alienation of our
times.
The past of humanity is not antiquated. It is a positive and essential living
source for the development of the whole human being.
