Total Perspective Vortex
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The Total Perspective Vortex is a device built as a practical application of the theory of atomic interactivity. The idea is that, if every atom of the universe is affected by every other atom of the universe, then it is theoretically possible to extrapolate a model of the entire universe using any single piece of matter as a starting point. The Vortex does this employing a piece of fairy cake as its extrapolatory base.
Originally created by its inventor Trin Tragula as a way to get back at his wife (who was always telling him to get a "sense of proportion"), the Vortex is now used as a torture and (in effect) killing device on the planet Frogstar B. The prospective victim of the TPV is placed within a small chamber wherein is displayed a model of the entire universe - together with a microscopic dot bearing the legend "you are here". The sense of perspective thereby conveyed destroys the victim's mind; it was stated that the TPV is the only known means of crushing a man's soul.
The only person to survive the Vortex is former President of the Galaxy Zaphod Beeblebrox. At the time he was exposed to the Vortex, he was inside a computer-generated universe created for his protection by Zarniwoop. Since the entire universe was created for him, the TPV told him, in effect, that he was in fact the single most important person in the universe. This allowed Zaphod to survive the experience, and also did not surprise him in the least.
Zaphod proceeded to eat the fairy cake.
In the film
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The TPV itself does not appear in the 2005 film, but the Point-of-view gun shares a number of key characteristics with the Vortex.
On the Internet Edit
An interactive example of a Total Perspective Vortex can be found at this site: Scale of the Universe1.