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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...

Giovanni Allevi: Philosopher, Pianist, Survivor

 



Who is Giovanni Allevi?

Giovanni Allevi is a prominent Italian philosopher, writer, and artist, born in Ascoli Piceno on April 9, 1969. His exceptional talent in piano led him to graduate from the Francesco Morlacchi Conservatory in Perugia and later from the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory in Milan, where he also obtained a degree in Philosophy. Following his service in the Italian army band in 1991, he embarked on a successful career performing in theaters across Italy, eventually relocating to Milan to fully dedicate himself to the piano. Despite facing controversy, Allevi also shared his passion by teaching at a state secondary school in Milan. His international tours took him to cities such as Beijing, Paris, New York, Madrid, London, and Vienna, where he held his last concert.


What disease does Giovanni Allevi suffer from?

In 2022, Giovanni Allevi revealed on social media that he had to suspend his commitments due to his battle with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of immune system cells that produce antibodies. Despite false rumors of his death circulating online, Allevi continues to fight against the disease, which often manifests in symptoms such as bone pain, spontaneous fractures, and anemia. Claudio Cerchione, a hematologist at the Scientific Institute of Romagna for the study and treatment of tumors, provided insights into Allevi's condition, noting that he has two fractured vertebrae (D10 and L1). Despite the challenges he faces, Allevi remains resilient, holding onto hope and a desire to imagine a better future.


Beyond the Adversity

On February 7, 2024, Giovanni Allevi made a remarkable comeback after nearly two years, performing his song Tomorrow as a guest at the Sanremo Festival, despite experiencing pain and tremors in his hands. During the festival, he shared his story, expressing gratitude for the beauty of creation and emphasizing the insignificance of judgments and numbers. With humility and courage, Allevi showcased a new persona, unafraid and resilient, demonstrating that hope and kindness can bring to improvement. Despite his emotions and physical challenges, his performance moved the audience deeply.

Today’s Blogger

Hello, everyone! I'm Alessandra Ardizzone and I'm thrilled to contribute to Let's Blog sharing news and my thoughts with you. I sincerely hope you enjoyed what you've read, and I look forward to our next encounter. Bye for now!

 

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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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