Roberto Grippi

You should NEVER ask a question unless you already know the answer

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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

Don’t poke a lion’s tail

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A friend responded to my previous post. “In Africa, we have a saying: Don’t poke a lion’s tail.” The lion won’t just jump up; it will simply eat you. The point is, if you start something, you must be prepared to see it through.Either finish him before he finishes you, or leave it alone. In … Read more

Don’t poke the cicada’s tail

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“Don’t poke the cicada’s tail.” “U’n ci tuccare u culu a’ cicala.”(Sicilian proverb) This Sicilian saying literally means not to provoke someone who reacts immediately and excessively. Just as a cicada would leap into the air at the slightest touch, a person may respond with an unnecessary overreaction. It is also used when it is … Read more

I don’t trust science

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” ‘I don’t trust science’ is not something you can write on a vast global network made of fibre optics and satellites using a magical device that is the result of the miniaturisation of the Apollo missions. You can write it on the wall of a cave using a rock.” (Michele Bruson, digital creator) … … Read more

The carat – An example of cultural influences

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Those who argue that we should close ourselves off within our borders and prevent other cultures from influencing ours should consider how, throughout history, cultures have always intertwined at every level. Take, for example, the carat. Today, when it comes to gemstones, it is a measure of quantity (the higher the carat value, the larger … Read more

Knowledge is power

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Francis Bacon, a prominent English philosopher, statesman, and essayist, is celebrated for his deep insights and articulate writing. “Knowledge is power.”This famous quote encapsulates Bacon’s belief in the empowering nature of knowledge. “Nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed.”Bacon asserted that to harness nature’s power, one must first respect its laws. “Hope is a good … Read more

You ate the donkey, and you got confused by the tail?

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“You ate the donkey, and you got confused by the tail?” “Ti manciasti u sceccu, e ti cunfunnisti p’a cuda?”(Sicilian saying) This Sicilian saying is a colorful metaphor that speaks to the idea of someone successfully completing a large or difficult task, only to stumble or get caught up on a trivial detail at the … Read more

Youth is sweet and well

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Bacchus’ song “Youth is sweet and wellbut doth speed away!Let who will be gay,tomorrow, none can tell.” Italian original version: “Quant’è bella giovinezzache si fugge tuttavia!Chi vuol esser lieto, sia,di doman non v’è certezza.” (Lorenzo de’ Medici, “the Magnificent”, about 1490) Lorenzo di Piero de’ Medici, commonly known as “Lorenzo the Magnificent” (1449-1492), ruled Florence … Read more

Abracadabra

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Have you ever considered the meaning of “Abracadabra”? You likely encountered this word as a child. Though it is widely known, few are aware of its Aramaic roots, “Avrah KaDabra,” which translates to “I create what I speak.” This phrase reflects the powerful idea that words can shape reality. Thought and language are deeply intertwined, … Read more

May you live in interesting times!

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“May you live in interesting times…” According to popular belief, this phrase is an ancient Chinese curse that ironically suggests periods of difficulty, chaos, and uncertainty. It continues with:“… may you come to the attention of those in authority…”and concludes with:“… may the gods grant you everything you wish for.” Although widely used in English … Read more

Fear of the unknown, failure or the judgement of others can be paralysing

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How many times have we held back from new opportunities out of fear?Fear of the unknown, failure or the judgement of others can be paralysing. Yet, behind every great success there is always someone who dared to overcome fear and started. Do you know why? It is often all in our minds and things could … Read more