Roberto Grippi

The Wife’s Surname in Western Culture

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This overview presents the customs of European and North American countries regarding women’s surnames after marriage, highlighting when the preference shifted towards retaining the wife’s original surname.

In summary:

In most Countries the trend of women to keep their maiden surname (and the subsequent law reforms needed to enable it) emerged between the 1970s and 1990s.

Travelling means immersing yourself in the culture and language of the destination

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While it is relatively straightforward to quickly grasp and appreciate the more obvious aspects of local culture – such as food, traditions, and customs – familiarising with local expressions and communication styles tends to be more challenging.

A great starting point to break down language barriers and start communicating effectively is to learn the most common courtesies: “thank you”, “you’re welcome”, formal and informal greetings on arrival and departure.

June is here

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The climate shifts from cool or cold to mild, and the colors of nature begin to change.

Today, the way we build our homes and the environments we inhabit tend to dull this transition.
Air conditioning, heating, soundproofing, and the constant hum of our cities mute our senses.

Yet, stepping outside for a walk is enough to awaken our awareness once more.

Crises Conceal Opportunities

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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: a Language Meant to Be Sung

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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.

Alternative Medicine

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“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.

It is not necessary that people be wicked but only that they be spineless

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“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

Effortless Leadership: So Smooth, They Might Not Even Notice You Were Gone

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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.

Who is born a dishcloth cannot become a silk scarf

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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.

Prescriptive vs Descriptive Linguistics

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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

Populism at the Negotiating Table

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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.

Perfection is the enemy of the good

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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.

Italian Genius and Enterprise: A Matter of Scale

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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?

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“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.