I WRITE IN SPACE

Telling the story of Claude Chappe and his brothers who invented a long-distance communication system called the "optical telegraph" during the French Revolution also means diving into the past: listening to the distant sounds in the landscapes of the past, animals calling to each other, birds, toads, jackals, the emotion of the first human signals, African drums, the cries of shepherds in the mountain mist, foghorns at sea. In the turmoil of the 18th century, where men talk of progress, industry and enlightenment, children dreamt of making the very air talk. Imagining that the earth's inhabitants would know each other better in this way, exchange their goods and values and so inevitably become better people. Childhood dreams often give rise to the finest inventions. Through these children's eyes, the world seems destined for a magnificent, harmonious and peaceful future. During the Revolution, the dream comes up against the harsh reality of History. Claude Chappe has his project approved by the Convention and, in the midst of the revolutionary turmoil, sets up the first telegraph line to Flanders. Despite the invasion, winter, shortages and suffering, his obstinacy makes the line work. In bringing news of a major victory to the Convention, the invention's value is recognized and possibly saves the Republic. Finally, with passing time other techniques appear: the electric telegraph, the telephone, the wireless and the satellite lead us to today's vast dreams, the same as those of the past and probably just as indestructible.