What Nation Invented "Efficiency"

Santa Claus is a German invention, but in the last few decades has this legend been surpassed? There’s no better demonstration of German efficiency than the unforgettable protagonist who efficiently defeated German terrorists, single-handedly in the heart of Los Angeles during the Christmas-time movie, Die Hard. The story of a poor soul who only wanted to give his nice children their Christmas presents, only to battle naughty grown children instead because no one else would. Poor guy couldn’t give his family their Christmas gifts again in the sequel, this time due to Latin American terrorists and US mercenaries. How many of us can relate to this sense of deja vu, albeit without the violence and the action sequences?

Why mention him here? Bruce Willis was born in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany to a German mother and an American father. It’s truly disheartening to learn that in 2022, the iconic action superstar made the difficult decision to retire at the age of 68 as a result of a disease that has caused a form of dementia. While this news may be saddening, it is important to honour and remember our beloved screen heroes for the incredible memories they have created for us all. Just as his five children surely wish to do as well.

There’s an undeniable truth we encounter as we journey through life. As youngsters, we’re filled with this incredible desire to make a quantifiable change in the world, only to find that the ensuing generational shift may undo our oh-so-carefully laid plans. It’s a cycle of rebellion/karma and establishment that keeps the world spinning. One individual from this region who shook the world was Nikolaus August Otto. This engineer’s crowning achievement was the development of the four-stroke internal combustion engine. This remarkable invention not only enhanced the “efficiency” of pre-existing engine models but also massively spurred industrialization. The Industrial Revolution, with Otto’s contributions improving the then-40-year-old movement, reduced the reliance on forced labour and slavery to make inexpensive goods that common people could afford, thus improving most people’s living standards. Luckily for him, it took one and a half centuries for Otto to be seen as a villain, well past his death, despite his undeniable status as a hero during his lifetime.

While Germany may not be the master of cutting-edge technology, its prowess is legendary in industrial products and manufacturing. The country excels at producing high-quality and innovative goods with a focus on efficiency, which has been the cornerstone of its success. There is a domain though where Germany excels in its “hi-tech” expertise; music. While traditionally known as a giant in electronica, house, and club music, many German hip-hop artists also have a distinct sound inspired by this tradition. Apache 207, the German hip-hop sensation, embodies the rebellious spirit of youth like no other. His unique sound has a dark and futuristic vibe that wouldn’t be out of place in a captivating sci-fi film. With his lyrics heavily influenced by American urban culture, Apache 207 is a true trendsetter in his genre and an artist who happens to be born in Rhineland-Palatinate. Once you’ve exhausted yourself with all of the angst inherent in getting mad at the world, the small towns and natural wonders of the region this musician was born in are the perfect tonic required to get you back on your feet and in love again with this planet. When night falls, you may want to check out the Loft Club in Ludwigshafen, where the musician was born.