transformation.
This universal and timeless idea has its roots both in Eastern philosophy and Western thought.
In Chinese, the word “crisis” (危机, wēijī) is composed of characters that mean “danger” and “opportunity.” This combination is often cited to express the idea that even in the most dangerous or uncertain situations, there is space to seize new possibilities.
Italian is not merely spoken — it is sung.
Celebrated for its musicality and charm, it is little wonder that opera chose Italian as its native tongue: elegant, expressive, and full of life.
Like all Romance languages, Italian has its roots in Latin.
However, while in France, Spain, and Portugal the national languages evolved from the dialects of their respective capitals, Italy’s story was different.
“I shall treat myself with an alternative medicine when I fall ill with an alternative disease.”
(Piero Angela, journalist, essayist and science
communicator, 1928–2022)
Alternative medicine refers to practices that are unconventional compared to scientific medicine, such as homoeopathy, acupuncture, herbal remedies, and so on.
“Adult life:
just when you think you have put aside €100,
life slaps you with an unexpected bill of €300.
It is like playing Monopoly, but with the rules written by Murphy’s Law (… “if something can go wrong, it will”).”
“Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo.”
If I cannot sway the gods of heaven,
I will stir the powers of hell
“A civilization is not destroyed by wicked people; it is not necessary that people be wicked but only that they be spineless.”(James A. Baldwin) Civilisations collapse not so much because of the wicked, who are usually few and easily recognised, but because of the multitudes who, out of fear, habit, or sheer laziness, choose silence, … Read more
Eroici volontari italiani che rimuovono pezzi di ananas da una pizza contaminata.
Think of leadership not as the act of steering the ship, but as the ability to ensure it continues to sail steadily even when you step away.
Sometimes, the real measure of a leader is not in their presence, but in what unfolds during their absence.
This recalls a well-known story about Henry Ford, the iconic American automobile magnate.
At first glance, this old Sicilian saying appears to seal an unchangeable fate: the dishcloth, condemned to gathering crumbs and stains, is unlikely ever to transform into a graceful and aristocratic silk scarf.
Yet, on closer inspection, the scarf—draped elegantly around prestigious necks—has never faced the humble, concrete toil of daily work. It is merely a symbol of appearance, devoid of substance.
At the heart of linguistic thought, education, and cultural identity lies a fundamental distinction: the prescriptive versus the descriptive approach to language.
Prescriptive: how language should be used
Descriptive: how language is used
These two approaches are often portrayed as opposites—grammar traditionalists v
I had the opportunity to watch the recent exchange at the White House between Donald Trump and the President of South Africa, which was broadcast yesterday.
The scene prompted me to write the following post — composed ex tempore, in direct response to what I observed.
Populist politics does not rely solely on lies or outdated arguments.
Bees do not waste time explaining to flies why honey is better than shit.
And quite right too.
We live in an age where every opinion counts – even that of the fly who proudly proclaims, “I choose faeces, it is my truth!” And heaven forbid you challenge her – you might trigger a shitstorm, quite literally.
This aphorism warns against the paralyzing pursuit of perfection. Striving for excellence is commendable—but when perfection becomes the only acceptable outcome, it can prevent meaningful progress.
In many cases, a “good” solution, delivered in time and with efficiency, is far more valuable than an ideal one that never materialises.
Wit knows no borders—every language has its quirky expressions that raise an eyebrow or a smile.
Here is a playful tour through some of the most colourful idioms in English, Italian, and German.
Today, I turn to its practical expression: the Italian entrepreneurial landscape.
The structure of private enterprise in Italy diverges sharply from that of its G7 peers.
In the more industrialised economies, large firms—those with over 250 employees—account for a substantial share of employment: 29.3% in Germany and 28.3% in France.
“What is genius?
It is imagination, intuition, quick perception, and speed of execution.”
With this line, the film “Amici miei” by Mario Monicelli offered an enduring portrait of “Italian-style” genius.
Not academic, but streetwise. Improvised, creative, ironic. A blend of wit, invention, and applied flair, steeped in that ancient Italian philosophy of making do—older than the Renaissance, tougher than bureaucracy.
There is no virtue in protecting falsehood for the sake of comfort, nor honour in shielding fragile egos from reality.
A truth that must be silenced to spare the unprepared is no longer truth, but complicity.
This phrase, attributed to Henry Kissinger, is a gem of realpolitik disguised as a Zen proverb.
Its meaning is both stark and striking: when options disappear, so do uncertainties.
The mind is liberated—from hesitation, from the spirals of critical reasoning, from the burden of imagining fallback strategies.
The Sicilian word ‘sceccu’ (pronounced ‘shekku’) means ‘donkey’, and it has a fascinating and multi-layered origin, interweaving Arabic etymology, cultural evolution, and folk tales.
Etymological Origins
The term ‘sceccu’ derives from the Arabic word šaykh (شيخ), meaning ‘elder’, ‘wise man’, or “respected leader’.
In Arab culture, a šaykh was often a tribal chief or spiritual guide.
The sacred question: “How much pasta are we cooking?”
The answer, calm and confident: “Du fila.”
Literally it means “two strands” – as in two lonely spaghetti, but do not be fooled: in Sicily, “du fila” is not a measurement.
It is a philosophy: an elastic, enigmatic unit of quantity used exclusively by Sicilians, ranging anywhere from 300 to 900 grams per person (!) depending on appetite, mood, and family honour.