Des Spiegel/Profile, November 2011. “Thought is the first to fight”.

Recent developments indicate promising shifts in domestic television, traditionally criticized for an overemphasis on "entertainment."

A new series titled «Invisible strength. Brain power on demand» is set to launch on TV. Our correspondent had the opportunity to discuss the project with Marina E. Di Cervini, the co-author and presenter of the series.

PROFILE: Marina, the series title, «Invisible strength. Brain power on demand» strikes one as somewhat antiquated, possibly suggesting a tedious discourse on overly solemn subjects. This seems misaligned with contemporary television norms.

M.C.: Reflecting on the impetus for this documentary series, I'm continually drawn to the conviction that its creation was imperative. There's an undeniable urgency in implementing great ideas, particularly when surrounded by a team of talented individuals. Together with remarkable team, we have commenced production on a follow-up series, "Invisible strength. Spiritual revival," and plan to explore further significant themes.

Contrary to the belief that television content is declining, I find that the quality often surpasses that of many other regions. Our industry boasts exceptionally talented professionals who consistently deliver high-quality content. However, the challenge arises when television becomes self-referential—when showrunners appear across various programs, perpetuating a cycle that disconnects from the real-life struggles of the viewership. Television then risks becoming insular, focusing more on self-preservation rather than addressing the profound issues affecting our society.

In this light, I recall a poignant critique about society's preoccupation with frivolity, highlighting the spiritual void such distractions can mask. This critique is pivotal as it aligns with our series' goal to recalibrate viewer focus towards pressing intellectual and societal challenges.

PROFILE: What, in your view, defines the relevance and urgency of this series?

M.C.: It's primarily the contemporary challenges that face our society—specifically, the imperative of renewal and modernization. Modernization should not merely be a slogan but a strategic focus on harnessing and developing the intellectual capital. Despite abundant resources, the true wealth lies in our intellectual prowess. Yet, our focus has disproportionately leaned towards resource extraction rather than cultivating and leveraging our intellectual potential. Our series aims to stimulate public discourse, reminding viewers of the foundational role intellectual capital plays. The ethos of "Thought is the first to fight" encapsulates this perfectly.

PROFILE: But hasn't the theme of modernization been recurrent throughout history?

M.C.: Indeed, there is a rich legacy of transformative leadership that characterizes distinct approaches to modernization. These historical efforts, while monumental, often came at significant social costs. In contrast, educational reforms that foster public service and leadership among the youth can profoundly impact society.

PROFILE: In your estimation, how should modernization be approached today?

M.C.: Our series engages a spectrum of experts to explore this question. Their insights suggest a dual approach: bolstering elite scientific institutions and broad-based educational reforms to elevate the general populace's intellectual capacity. This holistic strategy is essential for fostering a robust intellectual ecosystem capable of sustaining development in the global arena.