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Benedictine and Franciscan Monks: Forgotten Inventors

   Usually, when we think of religious orders, these things come to mind: a cloister, an abbey, a library, prayer in solitude, detachment from the world… All this in the cradle of a period defined as "dark" by historiography up to Romanticism: the Middle Ages . In this period the monks - especially the Benedictines of the various orders - were the custodians of Judeo-Christian but also classical culture, since thanks to their patient and meticulous transcriptions as scribes we have received almost all of the Greek and Latin works which we study today. Today we are grateful to them first of all for this.   However, many do not know that many products - material and immaterial - that we consume and use every day, come from monks who, using their ingenuity nourished by a profound spirituality, invented them due to practical necessities.    Personally, I find it amazing!    Let's begin…   The heavy plow   Plows were a primary agri...

Video Games: The Modern Cinema

 

 

When discussing video games, people often dismiss them as entertainment for children, overlooking the significance they truly hold. Developing a video game is a complex process, requiring considerable time and effort. Today, video games share striking similarities with films, encompassing elements such as dubbing, sound design, set selection, and, most importantly, a compelling narrative.

 

Some video games are set in historical contexts, enabling them to depict real-world events. Modern technology has elevated video games to a level of realism that closely mirrors everyday life. Video games now employ cinematic techniques, including complex plots, well-developed characters, cinematography, editing, and soundtracks, to immerse players on a deeper emotional level. The only aspect that differentiates cinema from video games is the live interpretation by actors, as video game characters are entirely computer-generated. 


Choosing to play a video game over watching a film is a preference I share, and the reasoning is straightforward. Playing a video game allows you to step into the shoes of the characters, offering an immersive experience. Some games even allow players to shape the storyline by selecting responses during dialogues. Moreover, players can customize the appearance of their characters and dictate their actions, deciding whether to explore the landscape thoroughly or focus on completing the main story promptly. 


One of the most impressive video games I've encountered is "God of War" (2018). I perceive this game as closely aligned with the cinematic world, boasting breathtaking landscapes and a narrative deserving of an Oscar. In this game, Kratos, having abandoned the Greek gods, ventures into Norse mythology to fulfill his deceased wife's final wish. Accompanied by his son, Atreus, they navigate encounters with mythical creatures, Norse gods, and Kratos' troubled past. The story revolves around the evolving relationship between Kratos and Atreus, exploring themes of family, redemption, and Kratos' challenging legacy as the "Ghost of Sparta." The narrative weaves a compelling tale of personal growth and the consequences of one's actions within a captivating mythological setting.

Today’s Blogger

Hello, everybody! My name is Luca Di Giannantonio, I'm 16 years old and I come from Subiaco. I'm a student in the third year of the Liceo Scientifico. While my life might not be filled with extraordinary adventures, I'd like to share a bit about myself.

My favorite pastime is playing football, a sport I indulge in every day. During my free time, I enjoy listening to music, with hip hop being my preferred genre. I find pleasure in playing video games and reading books. I love to contribute to our web magazine and hope that you enjoy my posts.

 

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Benedictine and Franciscan Monks: Forgotten Inventors

   Usually, when we think of religious orders, these things come to mind: a cloister, an abbey, a library, prayer in solitude, detachment from the world… All this in the cradle of a period defined as "dark" by historiography up to Romanticism: the Middle Ages . In this period the monks - especially the Benedictines of the various orders - were the custodians of Judeo-Christian but also classical culture, since thanks to their patient and meticulous transcriptions as scribes we have received almost all of the Greek and Latin works which we study today. Today we are grateful to them first of all for this.   However, many do not know that many products - material and immaterial - that we consume and use every day, come from monks who, using their ingenuity nourished by a profound spirituality, invented them due to practical necessities.    Personally, I find it amazing!    Let's begin…   The heavy plow   Plows were a primary agri...

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