"Leibniz is of our time; he is our predecessor. He began to build the world in which we live; he recognised it before us, better than us. Our mathematics were born with him, our physical sciences were predicted by him, our communication networks, our data storage, our arts of the sign and language... are already in his writings, as well as the lands in which these forms are embodied. Leibniz inhabits our beginnings; he haunts our achievements. To follow the paths, crossroads, and connections of his system, to describe its local ways and calculate its global cohesion, is already to explore today’s space. The Ariadne’s thread chosen here is what he called “universal mathematics.” No doubt there are others; this is the easiest: economy, simplicity, demonstration. This thread leads from the most diffuse multiplicities, such as those of history, to the unity of a point. The network is a harmony: music, accord, and peace. The system is optimistic; will we be capable of rebuilding one just as beautiful amid the noise and fury?"