Abstract The Ten Books on Architecture by Vitruvius contain pragmatic norms in the very concrete field of architecture, but history has demonstrated that human proportions have provided lasting organicity not only to the physically built result, but also to metaphysical space through the implicit symbolic meaning. The macrocosmic infinity suggested by the circle and the mundane existence represented by the square make the two Vitruvian conditions the central symbols of ancient anthropometry preserved to this day. It is the reason why Leonardo da Vinci’s “Vitruvian Man” has become one of the best-known symbols of Western culture. In the search for the iconic “key” of the microcosm, the minor mundus was taken up during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance as a fundamental theme in more or less occult anatomical research. Architecture, medicine, astrology, theology are just a few fields that are conceptually found in the Renaissance Vitruvian hermeneutics, which led to a series of representations of the human body framed in symmetrical geometric figures. The pentagram, the circle and the square are the most frequently used and retain their symbolic validity to this day. The present study shows the path of such figures and how they have evolved over time, sometimes departing from the rigor of the measurements made by Leonardo da Vinci for his “Vitruvian Man”. The method of comparative anthropometry highlights such an inadvertence in one of the schemes taken from Cesare Cesariano, later used by Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. The measurements recurrently indicate the bio-metric symmetry center (the navel) and the isometric symmetry center (the pubis), therefor homo ad circulum and homo ad quadratum prove to be the main Vitruvian concepts that have retained their relevance by opening up new possibilities of interpretation and symbolic rendering.

Abstract This article explores the role of storytelling as a strategy for entrepreneurial development within the framework of an Erasmus+ project dedicated to young migrants – Empowering Youth Through Soft and Entrepreneurial Skills, implemented through a partnership between the e-Xplorator Association in Romania and Group Moraru/Languages.lu in Luxembourg. Based on the premise that storytelling is not merely a narrative technique, but a powerful educational and branding tool, the research investigates how personal stories, entrepreneurial pitches, and visual identity development contribute to shaping soft and entrepreneurial skills. Using a case study methodology, the article draws on concrete examples from the project’s design thinking, branding, and visual storytelling activities. Results show that storytelling fosters engagement, creativity, and while clarifying the process of building a personal brand and business idea. The article advocates for the integration of storytelling in non-formal entrepreneurial education and provides a framework for replicating the approach in other European contexts.

Abstract One of the most important representatives of the contemporary Colombian literature, Álvaro Mutis was also considered, even partially, an expression of the magical realism, the major aesthetic direction followed by numerous members of his generation. Nevertheless, his great originality consists in a personal reinterpretation of several great literary themes; therefore, journey, history or library become the obsessive images throughout his entire creation, Mutis’ alter-ego , Maqroll, being described as a tireless traveler both in the history (of his own soul or the world) and in a vast library – the influence of Jorge Luis Borges being thus obvious. Studying ancient history or reading over and over again the same books Mutis himself used to read, Maqroll always tries to find the hidden meaning of life, to make sense of his own existence and at the same time to write a book capable to express all his ideas and feelings in order that they might not be forgotten. Symbol of his creator’s capacity of creating a literary mask perfectly comparable to Pessoa’s heteronyms, Maqroll represents the most adequate expression of the human condition, standing for the individual having to face innumerable challenges, to cope with love or loss, but also able to find a way to spiritual salvation.

Abstract The totalitarian rule, as it was exemplified by the Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, is not to be seen as an historical exception. Based on the analysis of social interactions specific to modern Western societies, social conditions and ideological perspectives are the main triggers of massive social transformation that inaugurated the totalitarian system. Nihilism permeated the social body, devaluating the human dignity. Combined with mass communication through television and the internet, nihilism played a certain role in mass formation, alienation, conformism and submission to the power system. The terrifying combination of mass communication, uniformity and obeyance is nowadays the hallmark of Communist China, where a vast system of social crediting permeates the lives of billions, ruling upon the most insignificant detail. However, one should not be so naïve as to believe that such a robust system would remain confined to the Chinese territory. It could rather serve as benchmark for the rising Western surveillance capitalism.

Abstract For the last few years, the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) – the longest running international music competition, has been present in social media and online outlets as losing its focus on culture and becoming a tool for a left-wing, “woke” ideology. The 2024 edition was especially attacked after the first non-binary person had become the winner, fueling allegations the contest rewards artists based on their identity rather than talent. Our analysis shows that such allegations have been inconsistent, vaguely defined, and context-aware, appearing to follow “culture war” topics, from LGBTQ+ rights to migrants or climate change. As most use of the “woke ESC” narrative comes from rightwing media and politicians, we content this narrative is part of a political propaganda effort, and functions to signify adherence to a political position, as well as to counter a perceived propagation of left-wing ideas.

Abstract Human behavior manifests in everyday life. In certain contexts, driven by fears or the need to conceal a certain attitude they have adopted, people are prone to distort reality. In this way, both the national security system and the legal system are subjected to risk. The principle of seeking the truth is a cornerstone of both of these systems. In this regard, the article aims to present the ways in which we can prevent and avoid the emergence of such behavior that could threaten the optimal functioning of professionals within the system. The concept of “dissimulation” is encountered in both systems, but it has different meanings. While dissimulation in the context of national security is used to protect the state’s interests, often employed in espionage, counter-espionage and military operations to hide critical information or real intentions from enemies, in the legal context, dissimulation can undermine the integrity of justice and public trust in the legal system. It is important to note that both domains analyze and counteract such tactics to ensure security and fairness.

Abstract Published in 1924, José Eustasio Rivera’s The Vortex (La vorágine) is still one of the best Colombian novels, highly appreciated not only for its historical value and importance, but also for its new narrative strategies, exquisitely used by the author. The book implies the young writer’s attempt to document certain harsh realities of his native country, being at the same time a modernist approach to literature, an original attempt to impose the cartographic illusion within the context of Latin American literature, usually inclined, at least up to that time, to express mostly the traditional element.

Abstract The final theory of the physical world, capable of harmonizing and connecting the existing basic theories, is seen as the ultimate achievement of the modern physical science. It is said to be the fulfilment of a long effort of describing the functioning of the physical universe and the coronation of the most successful intellectual endeavor undertook by the Western world. However, as put forward by illustrious physicists, such a theory would be the final blast to the previous rival theories based on non-metrical measurements. All former non-empirical, spiritualist theories, which managed to survive the triumphant march of the Western modern science, including astrology, would now be sentenced to extinction. And even philosophy would be turned as inconclusive and embarrassing for scientists, since they would no longer need philosophical suggestions on how to investigate the physical reality. In turn, expelling all the spiritual heritage from the modern world would mean heading towards the void, embracing the nonsense of an impersonal universe.