IL CORAGGIO DI ESSERE SE STESSI FOR THE LOVE OF ART, EDUCATION, AND FREEDOM

by

Nataša Ciabatti

| Images provided by Maria Laura

Chiaretti

Segmento caught up with Maria Laura Chiaretti, author of Il coraggio di essere se stessi, a new book exploring Pier Paolo Pasolini’s life through the lens of pedagogy. Here, Pasolini is cast as a role model for future generations.

Pier Paolo Pasolini (1922–1975) is considered one of the greatest Italian intellectuals of the 20th century. He published around 25 anthologies of poems and 15 novels, produced close to 30 screenplays, directed 15 theater pieces, directed 13 films, and wrote countless essays. Less well-known is Pasolini’s interest in pedagogy. “When Pasolini was assassinated, a copy of Nietzche’s book On the Future of Our Educational Institutions was found on the back seat of his car, evidencing the importance he placed on pedagogy throughout his life,” explains Maria Laura Chiaretti, author of a new book on the life of Pasolini, published by Armando Editore. Her debut book is a detailed and comprehensive study, the fruit of a mind that is “in love with rebellious thought, critical poetry, and political engagement,” as celebrated poet Dacia Mariani describes in the preface. According to Maria Laura, all of Pasolini’s artistic and literary endeavors responded to a higher calling—educating future generations as the only way to envision a better future.

“They teach you not to shine, but you shine nevertheless, wrote Pasolini to his imaginary student Genariello in his unfinished treatise on pedagogy. I experienced the same thing with this book. I persevered in the face of those who rejected my ideas,” explains Maria Laura, who published this impressive biography of the Italian intellectual giant at only 26

Smiling, she went on to say:

This famous quote by Pasolini best represents his passion for teaching, his love for humanity, and his admonitions of institutions that put children into boxes and punish them for dreaming. Following this advice, I contacted Dacia Mariani, Pasolini’s last living personal contact. She knew him personally as a friend and worked with him. I never dreamt she would bother to read my manuscript, but she did and liked it, so the gamble paid off.

The value of this book for contemporary readers is that it reflects on the importance of diversity in education. What can difference teach us? Everything! In encountering the Other, we come to understand ourselves. Pasolini also taught the value of defeat and resistance in the face of adversity. Pasolini as a teacher is perhaps the least known facet of the Italian intellectual most famous for his poems and films. But poetry and cinema were essentially educational instruments for Pasolini. His films are unfiltered; they are democratic interventions aimed at raising consciousness and encouraging divergent thinking.

Il coraggio di essere se stessi highlights Pasolini’s ability to bridge different artistic mediums, “high” culture and popular culture, standard Italian and the dialects, the past and the future. “Pasolini transfixes your soul,” says the young author whose debut book has already merited a special mention in the 14th edition of the Grottamare Literary Competition.

Pasolini’s themes are topical and universal. His works often portray poverty, inequality, and social injustice. His ideas provoke the audiences to question the status quo and challenge authority, inspiring people in Italy and worldwide. “Perhaps he is even more appreciated abroad than in Italy,” continues Maria Laura, whose book is already appearing on the shelves of university libraries in the United States. This first book has been an incredible success for the young writer who now works as a primary school teacher imparting a passion for poetry and the values of Pasolini to youngsters.

LOVE. LAUGH. PROTECT. animals with kids the earth

Federico Puzzo nominates one Italian who have been creating awareness over crucial topics related to wild animals and the planet.

La Sfattoria degli Ultimi is an animal sanctuary located just outside Rome that currently houses over 130 animals, including pigs and wild boars. Paola Samaritani founded La Sfattoria over 15 years ago, rescuing her first pig called Panela. Paola's mission is to give a voice to these innocent sentient beings, starting a dialogue with Italian institutions about the extraordinary work done by animal sanctuaries, which should have proper recognition and legislation rather than being considered the same as production farms. Her battles and victories for wild pigs in Rome have saved many lives and spread awareness among people, as well as setting new standards for the rights, recognition, and support of animal sanctuaries across Italy.

Giulia Milizia nominates one Italian woman who are also popular content creators.

Silvia Goggi, is a doctor specialising in nutritional science with a focus on vegetarian and vegan diets. Her ultra-scientific approach objectively illustrates how our daily food choices have a direct impact on the environment. I love her empathetic approach to dealing with difficult topics in environmentalism and animal welfare.

Doctor Silvia Goggi is so passionate about her work that it has become her mission. She began to communicate on social media, wrote three books in three years, and founded the PlantBased Clinic.

Segmento asks its readers to tell us about an Italian whose work or initiatives are environment, nature, or animal oriented.

Stella Orlando nominates Charlie and Anna, a young couple who own a Bed&Breakfast in the province of Vicenza, and are active in creating a better world for animals.

Charlie and Anna from Angolo di Paradiso

Family Agriturismo are my favourite Italians who commit every day to creating a better world for farmed animals. This young couple from Vicenza (Veneto) has made their passion for animals and nature a true lifestyle, and I really adore them!

Their story started with a little Vietnamese piglet called Pumbino, who was affected by a genetic disease. Plant-based menus result in the memory of the piglet that stole their hearts, the couple created a sanctuary called “Oasi Pumbino.” This is a forever home for abandoned and abused animals where they can find peace and happiness.

Francesca Lavagna talks about an important initiative in her hometown of Novara to raise awareness about the importance of every daily action to make a positive impact on the planet.

Rather than a person, I would like to talk about an Italian association, Essere Animali , which is committed to protecting animals and the environment through educational initiatives and political actions to empower people.

They recently launched the “MensePerIlClima” campaign, creating plant-based menus for universities.

These result in saving resources, like water and land, with an approximately 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to meatbased menus.