Roberto Grippi This is a sentence that, when delivered in a firm tone, appears to draw a clear boundary: I have done my part; the rest does not concern me. Yet in human relationships — personal, professional, institutional — this statement functions like an uncovered cheque. Every word spoken enters a complex ecosystem: shared history, expectations, fears, … Read more
“Hurry up and wait” is one of those expressions that compresses an entire institutional culture into four words. It was widely used in the Royal Navy and later in the United States Navy to describe a familiar rhythm of military life: urgent mobilisation followed by long, immobile anticipation. Orders arrive. Everything must be done immediately. … Read more
In recent times, across social networks and chats, a curious pseudo-Latin abbreviation has appeared: “etm”, used in contexts where one would normally find “etc.”. According to some, it stands for “et merda”, that is, “and shit”, placed at the end of a list to give the same flavour as the more straightforward English “and shit”, … Read more
“Diffuse potamophagy” is an ironic, pseudo-scientific term used to render into Italian the Sicilian noun “manciaciumi”, commonly known, outside Sicilian linguistic circles, as “itching”. What we have here is a fine example of macaronic Latinism, or more precisely, of jocular pseudo-scientific language typical of Sicilian linguistic culture: a culture in which erudition is not intended … Read more
(References to real, existing people are, as always, entirely intentional.) Women possess a remarkable social talent: they know how to remain silent about what truly matters and, at the same time, comment with flair on what does not matter at all.This is not inconsistency. It is information economy. When the stakes are serious — affections, … Read more
“You must have the courage to do what is right, whatever the risk.It is the only way to live with yourself.” (Attribution uncertain; sometimes attributed to Capt. Lawrence Chambers) This quote, in its simplicity, recalls an ancient principle: moral courage is required to do what is right, even when it involves risks, pressure, or unpleasant … Read more
• Brits call it “the Beast from the East”• Germans call it “der Sibirische Bär” (the Siberian Bear)• Americans call it “Snowmageddon”• Canadians call it “Monday” (because it is nothing special)• Nordics call it “Thursday” (and ask if you are alright)• Russians call it “весна” (vesna: spring)• Poles call it “zima” (winter)• Spaniards call it … Read more
A fool only learns from his own mistakes.The wise man learns from the mistakes of others.(Otto von Bismarck)Otto, Prince of Bismarck, Count of Bismarck-Schönhausen, Duke of Lauenburg (born Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismarck; 1815–1898) was a Prussian statesman and diplomat who oversaw the unification of Germany. Bismarck’s Realpolitik and firm governance resulted in him being … Read more
The French expression “Après moi, le déluge” survives because it captures a familiar human reflex with ruthless clarity. The literal translation is simple: “After me, the deluge.” Older English sometimes makes the attitude explicit:“When I am dead, the deluge can come for all I care.” In modern terms:“I will take what I want now. Whatever … Read more
The sheer assertiveness of the little FIAT Panda, sitting at 130 km/h (about 80 mph) and refusing to move aside despite my repeated flashes, was not stubbornness. It was doctrine. My utmost respect goes to the fearless driver (indeed: the test pilot) pushing the Panda beyond every reasonable fear, because only those who have done … Read more
Research in psycholinguistics and social psychology shows that the use of different languages can be associated with consistent variations in behaviour, emotional expression, and modes of self presentation among bilingual and multilingual individuals. Numerous empirical studies indicate that each language tends to activate specific cultural frameworks, together with social norms, communicative conventions, and patterns of … Read more
Christmas is coming! How moving:today I saw someone give a mobile phone, a watch, and a wallet to a person whose only possession was a knife. The spirit of giving is alive!You can already feel the Christmas atmosphere!
In Sicilian one says “accattari un picciriddu”: literally, “to buy a child”. An expression that, to modern ears, may sound amusing or disorienting. Yet behind those seemingly improper words lies a precise linguistic history and an ancient way of understanding birth. The verb “accattari” did not originally mean “to buy”. In older language and in … Read more
“Pereunt et imputantur”“The hours pass and are accounted for.” It is a Latin expression that reminds us of the importance of not wasting time and of making it fruitful, one of the most famous phrases engraved on ancient sundials. Its meaning is clear and relentless: time does not merely flow, it accumulates on our account. … Read more
(Inspired by a post by “Heritance Italy”) If you have ever wondered how Italians consistently manage to find good food, the answer is disarmingly simple: we almost never check reviews. Not because we distrust technology, but because we trust something older, sharper and infinitely more reliable — instinct, observation and a lifetime of culinary literacy. … Read more
“Surprising people” is driving through a red light.“Improvising” is slamming on the brakes when the light is green. Two actions equally unpredictable, yet opposite in their wisdom. It is a joke, of course. But, as often happens, humour captures the world of work and leadership with surgical precision. In traffic, as in teams, surprising others … Read more
This week I underwent surgery to remove a cataract. A simple procedure, at least when described: the surgeon enters the eye, removes the “damaged” crystalline lens, and replaces it with a new one, selected to compensate for any pre-existing visual defects. This is the account of an ordinary patient whose quality of life has improved … Read more
Italians are not always late, but the stereotype persists because it contains a grain of cultural truth — a small one, the size of a coffee bean, but still enough to fuel an entire international myth. It is not really about punctuality in the strict sense. It is about a different relationship with time, one … Read more
How to wash a cat
1.Put both lids of the toilet up and add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl.
2. Pick up the cat and soothe her while you carry her towards the bathroom.
3. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close both lids. You may need to stand on the lid.
A dear friend of mine has found himself today in a situation that is authentically “Pirandellian” (as in Luigi Pirandello, 1934 Literature Nobel Laureate). A cyber-attack has caused him to lose his main social media account, the one through which he used to speak to the world. That account was tied to an alias, and … Read more