How distant it seems the time when the Italian Renaissance maestros set the standards by which any artist would have been measured since then. When the French revolutionaries established the principles on which modern republics and liberal democracies are rooted. When the British built enduring physical and cultural infrastructures all over the lands of their … Continue reading Living the Cozy, Comfortable Decline of Europe
The True Lure of Money
I'm pretty sure that the title of this post has made most of my readers think immediately of private jets, flamboyant sports cars, and luxury mansions. In this article, however, I would like to talk about a different flavour of lure associated with money, yet even more intriguing and fascinating, at least for me. Pretty … Continue reading The True Lure of Money
Saudade and Identity
Saudade is a deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing for an absent something or someone that one loves.source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudade Portuguese is a language known for its intrinsic musicality (Important update: my friend Matteo pointed out to me that this it true for Brazilian variant only). When you listen to a person speaking … Continue reading Saudade and Identity
An Imaginary Trip to the USA — Chapter I: Introduction
Throughout the years, I have had the chance to meet several American people in person or online, with whom I have had numerous conversations. Often, we have talked about our respective countries because this has been one of the topics we have been interested in. We have usually asked each other a lot of questions … Continue reading An Imaginary Trip to the USA — Chapter I: Introduction
Fascism Disguised as Oligarchic Democracy
At the beginning of May, I attended a conference in the wonderful town of Sacile. It was hosted by Professor Antonio Soligon, a retired teacher and writer who loves the city of Venice intensely. He talked about the Fondaco dei Tedeschi, a historical building that the oma.eu website describes like this: First constructed in 1228, … Continue reading Fascism Disguised as Oligarchic Democracy
Bloodied Sands
In 2014, I visited France and, during my brief stay in Paris, I took a 1-day tour in Normandy. The strict schedule consisted of several visits to places related to one of the greatest military operations in the history of mankind, D-Day. Normandy is a unique place. Its natural characteristics—rainy weather, peaceful seas, lavender fields, … Continue reading Bloodied Sands
Price to Be Paid
Recently, I have created a page on which I'll be listing some intellectuals who have played an important role throughout my life. They have helped me significantly because they have shed some light on several issues I have come across. Some weeks ago, an event occurred that represents a good example of how these people's … Continue reading Price to Be Paid
Euro, or not Euro: that is the question
In June, I attended a public talk about the Euro currency. Two speakers were invited representing two opposing opinions with regard to the Eurozone: the senator Paolo Guerrieri and the professor Alberto Bagnai. Even though senator Guerrieri thinks that adopting the Euro was an error, he claims that Italy should not leave the Eurozone now. … Continue reading Euro, or not Euro: that is the question
The heritage of the Republic of Venice (Serenìsima Repùblica Vèneta)
There is no doubt about the fact that Venice is one of the most famous cities in the world. It is known for its peculiar structure, the absence of regular streets replaced by water canals, the magnificence of its historical buildings, etc. However, it should be known for its outstanding republican history as well. The … Continue reading The heritage of the Republic of Venice (Serenìsima Repùblica Vèneta)
The backbone of the Italian economy
When it comes to explaining to a foreign friend why it is so difficult to run a business in Italy, I struggle to find the words to describe this matter properly. There are some irrational situations that are incomprehensible to the people who have never lived here, especially if they come from a country with … Continue reading The backbone of the Italian economy