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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...

Connecting or disconnecting?



Here's a new installment in our series dedicated to social media and how it affects our lives. This time is Sophia's turn. Enjoy reading!

Hey everyone, today we're diving into something new for me on this blog: exploring how social media impacts our life. Lately, it's been on my mind, especially the way it both bring us together and pulls us apart. Have you ever stopped to think about it? Social media is this incredible tool that lets us chat with friends, keep up with world events, and share our favorite moments. It's like a digital playground where we can connect with people from all over the globe. But amongst the likes and comments, sometimes it feels like we're just scratching the surface. Are we really building meaningful connections, or are we just putting on a show for the world to see? Let's dig deeper into this paradox and explore how social media shapes our lives and relationships in the digital age. "Social media is not a media. The key is to listen, engage, and build relationships." 

PROS

1) The Power Of Connection

 Social media has made it incredibly easy for us to talk to people, no matter where they are. With just a few clicks, we can chat with friends and family from all over the world. It's like breaking down walls and bringing everyone closer together. Whether it's a quick message or a video call, social media helps us stay connected, especially when we're far apart. It's like having a big, virtual family that's always there for us. 

 2) Creativity and Expression

Some people think social media is just for sharing selfies and silly videos, but it's so much more than that. It's a place where people can express themselves and show off their talents. Whether it's painting, singing, or speaking out about important issues, social media gives everyone a chance to be heard. It's like a giant canvas where we can paint our thoughts and feelings for the whole world to see. And when we come together to support each other's creativity, amazing things can happen. 

 CONS

  1) Superficiality And Distraction

 While social media offers many benefits, it's not without its drawbacks. One of the biggest concerns is how it can sometimes lead to superficial interactions and distractions. With constant notifications and a never-ending stream of content, it's easy to get caught up in the digital world and lose sight of what's happening around us in real life. Instead of engaging in meaningful face to face interactions, we may find ourselves glued to our screens, scrolling mindlessly through our social media feeds. This can create a sense of disconnection from the world around us and hinder our ability to form deep, meaningful relationships with others. 

 2) Comparison And FOMO 

 Another downside of social media is its tendency to foster a culture of comparison and fear of missing out (FOMO). As we scroll through carefully curated feeds filled with highlight reels of other people's lives, it's natural to compare yourself to others and feel inadequate. Whether it's envy over someone's luxurious vacation photos or insecurity about not measuring up to unrealistic beauty standards, social media can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation. Instead of feeling grateful for what we have, we may find ourselves constantly chasing after what we think we're missing out on, leading to a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction and unhappiness. 

 In conclusion, social media is like a two-sided coin, with both benefits and drawbacks. On one side, it has completely transformed the way we interact and stay connect in today's digital world. It has opened up endless possibilities for communication and creativity, allowing us to connect with people from all walks of life and share our passions with the world. Whether it's reuniting with old friends, discovering new interests, or finding support in online communities, social media has undeniably enriched our lives in countless ways. However, on the flip side, social media also presents challenges that we must navigate carefully. The constant influx of notifications and curated content can easily pull us into a cycle of superficial interactions and distractions, detracting from our ability to form meaningful connections with others. Moreover, the culture of comparison and FOMO that often permeates social media feeds can lead to feelings of inadequacy and isolation, eroding our self-esteem and sense of belonging. 

As we journey through this digital landscape, it's crucial that we find a balance between the benefits and pitfall of social media. We must prioritize genuine connections over superficial interactions, actively engaging with others in meaningful ways and fostering relationships built on authenticity and mutual respect. By doing this, we can harness the power of social media to enhance our lives and strengthen our connections with others, both online and off. So let's navigate this digital world with intentionality and mindfulness, ensuring that our interactions online reflect the values and connections that truly matter to us. So, the next time you find yourself scrolling through your social media feed, take a moment to reflect on the quality of your interactions. Are you fostering authentic connections, or are you simply adding to the digital noise? Let's challenge ourselves to seek out meaningful connections and cultivate a digital space that truly enriches our lives

Today’s Blogger 


Hello There! I’m Sophia Corsini from 3rd year of liceo scientifico, and my distinct feature is my red hair. I find joy in playing the piano, a skill I’ve honed over the years. When I’m not immersed in the world of music, you can often find me flipping through manga pages, engrossed in captivating stories.

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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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