The contrast between the 1588 and 1999 versions cuts deep. Stradanus understood someting the modern remake missed: showing people actually working together builds a stronger case for progress than empty infrastructure shots ever could. That detail about birds nesting in the eaves is perfect becuase it shows tech and nature coexisting, not locked in some zero sum battle. It's wild how rare that optimistic vibe feels now, even though we have way more reason to be optimistic than they did back then.
The comparison between visible work and invisible labor really stuck with me. The way we picture progress shapes how we judge it.
Really appreciated this piece, thank you.
This is very cool. Now we just need Stripe Press to publish the 21st century Nova Reperta
I agree!
The contrast between the 1588 and 1999 versions cuts deep. Stradanus understood someting the modern remake missed: showing people actually working together builds a stronger case for progress than empty infrastructure shots ever could. That detail about birds nesting in the eaves is perfect becuase it shows tech and nature coexisting, not locked in some zero sum battle. It's wild how rare that optimistic vibe feels now, even though we have way more reason to be optimistic than they did back then.