Powers of Ten
Posted on October 12th, 2008 by MichaelTo build on the previous blog, The Pale Blue Dot, today we have another mind-expanding example of perspective-shifting. This is a short documentary film written and directed by Ray Eames and her husband, Charles Eames in 1977.
This classic film depicts the relative scale of the Universe (as far as was known 20 years ago) in factors of ten and is called Powers of Ten:
••• Click here and watch the power of Powers of Ten …
NOTE: The film is a modern adaptation of the 1957 book Cosmic View by Kees Boeke and follow the form of the Boeke original, adding color and photography to the black and white drawings employed by Boeke in his seminal work. In 1998, Powers of Ten was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
December 27th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
From my early days of “a Universe within my thumbnail” contemplations of scale of universes, which led to roping a one meter square in the backyard to observe what world might exists at a lower level within my viewing. A magnifying glass and patience rewarded me with a broader concept of scale and a glimpse into an unnoticed world which changed daily. Wars, dramas, roadways and the universal fight to survive on a tiny bug planet. The tred of my foot approaching the square meter destroyed countless systems and interupted many lives though I had no intent to harm. I enjoyed the movie and again realize we know so little in this vast cosmos. We will enjoy each day to the power of “Ten” and our existance will be better!
December 21st, 2008 at 9:53 am
different would take time to apply worth thinking about
December 19th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
I guess as a scientist I normally think in powers of ten across orders of magnitude for solving work problems. Haven’t applied it to solve life and personal problems. Hmmm.
November 25th, 2008 at 12:07 am
I saw the video and bought myself the whole series of 7 Cd’s of Carl’s serials. One of most treasured possessions now
October 29th, 2008 at 8:48 am
I’ve found the Power of Ten exciting and challenging because I have to think more - creatively and laterally. Its been highly motivating too and I love the momentum that follows. Its about getting more consistant in practising a new way of thinking and taking action.
October 16th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
using power of ten takes ones thinking into unexplored space, apce of the mind and gives a better view of a situation never percieved in a current situation