“If you learn from your mistakes, I should be teaching at university.” (slightly modified quote from Lucille “Lucy” van Pelt, the bossy and cynical girl, Linus’s older sister in The Peanuts)
“I would like to tell that once-in-a-lifetime train not to wait for me: if I want, I will walk there on my own.” (Author unknown)
“When you speak badly of me, please make sure to EXAGGERATE. I want to make a long lasting good impression.” (Author unknown)
Today, a reader told me that my posts make them reflect, prompting me to question once again what value they hold for me. Some time ago, I consciously adopted a Japanese principle into my life: improving myself through openness, preventing conflicts and tension with those I interact with.This approach entails speaking candidly even about my … Read more
Quotes do not define the author; they are phrases taken out of context that can be interpreted by the reader, and they can be shaped by those who cite them. Here are two examples! WAR DECLARATION: “With energy and sleepless vigilance, advance and give us victories.” (Abraham Lincoln to Major General Joseph Hooker, 1863) Abraham … Read more
“You look so good on social media, it’s a shame to see you in real life.” (Seen on a T-shirt)
People never accept their own flaws. I would, if I had any.
Italy has a new Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, a journalist and far-right politician. Giuli is not known for being a clear communicator. Below is an excerpt from his inaugural speech in Parliament, followed by a “translation” I asked ChatGPT to provide. TEXTUAL QUOTATION FROM THE SPEECH “In the face of this paradigm shift, the … Read more
“The real danger of racism is its appeal to morons and frustrated people, because with racism any moron can finally feel superior to someone.”
“Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.” (Robert A. Heinlein)
“The word ‘art’ does not exist in Greek; the only concept used by the Greeks was techne, which is not ‘technique’ but rather the ability to understand how to do something in a way that makes it agathòs—that is, usable, useful. ‘Agathòs’ means good in the sense that it serves its purpose in the best … Read more
“The blend of stupidity and energy in a manager leads to an ambition that is far from commendable.This kind of ambition is often self-serving, indifferent to the broader welfare unless it aligns with personal advancement. Such a manager lacks moral courage, as this virtue is frequently at odds with personal ambition. With experience, they may … Read more
The Infinite This hermit hill was always dear to me,with its hedgerow hidingthe last horizon in so many places. But as I sit and gaze and conjureunending spaces,unearthly silences,and utter sillness,my heart almost stops in fear. When… storming through the leavesthe wind brings me a voice to set againstthe infinite silence; and eternityand seasons past, … Read more
“Inside me there are two wolves: one who wants to buy books purely for dopamine rush, and one who wants to buy books to read, and unfortunately they are both authorized to use my credit card.” (Jonathan Edward Durham)
Voltaire, a prominent French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher, was well known for his pointed criticism of Christianity, especially the Catholic Church. He championed freedom of religion and thought, as well as the separation of Church and State. When Voltaire passed away in 1778, a Catholic priest reportedly urged him to renounce Satan and embrace … Read more
“Be yourself. But if you’re an idiot, don’t insist; feel free to be someone else.” Luciano De Crescenzo (1928–2019) was an Italian philosopher, writer, director, and actor who at the beginning of his career, worked as an engineer.
“Others do not, like me, carry two thousand years of civilisation on their shoulders.” “Gli altri non hanno, come me, duemila anni di civiltà sulle spalle.”(Salvatore Bruno Todaro) A Sicilian submarine commander in the Italian Royal Navy during the Second World War, Salvatore Bruno Todaro was awarded several top honours, including the Gold Medal of … Read more
“Remember that there is nothing stable in human affairs; therefore avoid undue exaltation in prosperity, or undue depression in adversity.” (Socrates)
“There is a limit beyond which tolerance ceases to be a virtue.” (Socrates)
A friend recently reminded me of the African proverb, “don’t poke a lion’s tail,” meaning: “Only raise a topic if you’re sure you can handle it or are fully prepared for the challenge.” Even before I heard this saying, I have always lived by the underlying principle: be prepared and never allow yourself to be … Read more