Another roof, another proof

“Another roof, another proof.”(Paul Erdős) Paul Erdős (1913–1996) was a renowned Hungarian mathematician, celebrated as one of the most prolific contributors to mathematics and mathematical conjectures of the 20th century. He was widely recognized not only for the vast number of collaborators he worked with—over 500 in total—but also for his unconventional and nomadic way … Read more

The liturgy of the liquid

A symbolic and graceful sequence — the liturgy of the liquid. A poetic ritual shared among friends, with glasses of wine taking centre stage. A circle of companions, glasses filled — all moving in unison, following the gestures: Extension – The arm reaches forward, glass in hand. The body opens as the glass moves away. … Read more

It is impossible for a man to learn what he believes he already knows

“It is impossible for a man to learn what he believes he already knows.” (Epictetus) The paradox of wisdom is this: the moment someone assumes they have mastered everything, they quietly resign from the act of learning. Why bother with curiosity when certainty is so much more comfortable? Ironically, it is often the self-proclaimed “enlightened” … Read more

Montesquieu: the Law as the spirit of Liberty

“All would be lost if the same man, or the same body of magnates, nobles, or people, were to exercise these three powers: that of making laws, that of executing public decisions, and that of judging crimes.” At a time when everything is being revoked, including the fundamental principles of democratic coexistence, rereading Montesquieu means … Read more

Marriage is when one person is always right, and the other person is a husband

“Marriage is when one person is always right, and the other person is a husband.” As everyone knows, a successful marriage is simply the art of a man learning to nod, smile, and pretend his opinions matter. Meanwhile, his wife, blessed with an innate understanding of all things (including his mistakes before he even makes … Read more

Appreciate the person who taught you to drive

“Appreciate the person who taught you to drive for the first time, because they were more terrified than you, yet they still trusted you!” Picture them, gripping the passenger seat with a level of tension typically reserved for hostage situations, their foot instinctively slamming the imaginary brake as you confidently attempted to navigate a roundabout … Read more

When a Sicilian says, “Drop by sometime,” it’s not small talk

In Sicily, there are three unwritten rules you absolutely must know — or face the mildly threatening charm of an offended friend or relative. 1 – When a Sicilian says, “Drop by sometime,” it’s not small talk. This is not just filler chatter like you toss around in colder climates. No — it is a … Read more

ZANY

ZANY The “Zanni” was a comic character from ancient Roman theatre who later became a staple figure in the commedia dell’arte. One of the most recognisable examples of this type is Harlequin (Arlecchino). The roots of the term stretch back even further—to ancient Greece—where the word “Sannos” described someone foolish or laughable.This idea was absorbed … Read more

Europe and the moral re-armament of citizens

Europe and the moral re-armament of citizens Money for new weapons will not be enough. Nor will the goodwill of governments. When Senator Claude Malhuret delivered his speech before the French Senate, it sparked a media storm. This elderly doctor, a former president of Médecins Sans Frontières (hardly a die-hard militarist), is certainly not the … Read more

7 Signs a woman is at her limit

7 Signs a woman is at her limit The points discussed yesterday are just as relevant to women. The signs of emotional exhaustion—withdrawal, burnout, silence, avoidance, and autopilot living—are not exclusive to men; they apply to women just as much. Women also face overwhelming pressures from work, relationships, family, and personal struggles, leading to emotional … Read more

7 Signs a Man is at His Limit

7 Signs a Man is at His Limit(Today men, tomorrow about women …) 1 – He says “it is fine” to everythingHe stops arguing or explaining—not because he agrees, but because he has given up on being understood. 2 – He isolates himselfSpending extra time alone—long showers, aimless drives—is his way of escaping the pressure. … Read more

Did you know Shakespeare wrote all his masterpieces without ever using the letter “J”?

Did you know Shakespeare wrote all his masterpieces without ever using the letter “J”? That is because during his lifetime, “I” and “J” were considered the same letter. In 1524, an Italian scholar named Gian Giorgio Trissino argued these letters should be separate. But it wasn’t until after Shakespeare’s death, around 1629, that English publications … Read more

No matter how much you deny the truth, it remains the truth

“No matter how much you deny the truth, it remains the truth.”(George Orwell) This serves as a clear reminder that reality remains unaffected by wishful thinking, denial, or propaganda. No matter how vehemently one dismisses facts, they remain constant, unmoved by personal beliefs or political motives. In a time where misinformation spreads easily and truth … Read more

We were not expected to have a future; we were meant to marry it

“We were not expected to have a future; we were meant to marry it.”(Nora Ephron) Nora Ephron, a sharp and witty observer of gender roles, encapsulates in this quote the traditional societal expectations placed on women, particularly in the mid-20th century. The statement reflects how women were historically not encouraged to pursue independent futures, careers, … Read more

Right now, making sure the donkeys don’t run loose… is a matter of survival

This soldier is carrying a donkey on his shoulders—not out of love for donkeys, but because the area is full of mines. If the donkey wandered around freely, disaster would be inevitable. Right now, making sure the donkeys don’t run loose… is a matter of survival.

It is frightful that people who are so ignorant have so much influence

“It is frightful that people who are so ignorant have so much influence.”(George Orwell) Orwell was deeply concerned with how ignorance can be weaponized, particularly through propaganda.In works like 1984, he illustrates how authoritarian regimes thrive on misinformation, suppressing intellectual discourse to maintain control.Ignorant yet influential people can be easily manipulated or become conduits for … Read more

Why use a simple word?

“Do not use a big word when a singularly unloquacious and diminutive linguistic expression will satisfactorily accomplish the contemporary necessity.”(Author unknown) This is supposed to mean:“Do not use a long word when a short and simple one will do just fine.” Ironically, however, it actually conveys the opposite message: “Why use a simple word when … Read more