Curiosity, research, commitment and an open mind, to receive the signals that can lead to the discovery of new sustainable horizons. For the planet, too.
N°4
Serendipity
Fortune is an attitude.
If it is true that life is a series of unexpected events and opportunities, what makes it unique and special is the way each of us reacts when faced with these unexpected events, and how we seize the opportunities that come our way. Facing reality with the attitude of someone who knows how to make the most of every detail (even unexpected ones) and learning as a result, is encapsulated by serendipity, which is the word we have chosen for this edition of Innesti, and has its origin in a very, very old story.
In Serendip (present-day Sri Lanka), there lived a very powerful King named Giaffer who had three sons. They were very well-educated, because they had studied with the greatest masters, but entirely lacking in life experience, because they had never left the kingdom. So the father decided to send them out into the world to learn about life beyond their schoolbooks. "During their travels - writes Cristoforo Armeno, translating the fable Travels and Adventures of the Three Princes of Serendip for the first time in 1548 - they made several discoveries thanks to chance and their sagacity."
And it is from this very behaviour that two centuries later, in 1754, the English writer Horace Walpole coined the word "serendipity", namely the ability to identify and interpret unexpected events while searching for something else. Often used in a scientific context, or to affirm the power of "chance" or fortuitous discoveries, we have chosen this word because it indicates a sustainable mindset.
What has serendipity got to do with sustainability? It is about living with more awareness, with sharp eyes and an open mind, with agility and instinct, gratitude and curiosity. Moving forward not to achieve goals, but to follow our own values, and find ourselves in good company. Just as the protagonists of the stories we have collected in this edition have done - we invite you to read them with serendipity.
Martina Liverani
nature and
environment
environment
Destination Val di Sella, in Trentino: discovering the Arte Sella project on the relationship between man and the environment, a permanent exhibition of "Art in Nature".
A dream fueled by great passion. Then, a sudden accident. Which changes destiny and opens up a new future: that of mountaineer Hervé Barmasse.
food and
related
related
An interview with Jock Zonfrillo: how he has codified indigenous culinary traditions with a modern twist, recovering products with an ancient history.
The Policlinico di Milano, Milan General Hospital, from the history of "Ca' Granda" to the IRCCS Foundation.
A perfect example of returning to our origins to create a circular economy.
Pursuing a great dream: to create a "free-roaming" food culture with zero impact.
Juri Chiotti, the youngest Michelin-starred chef in Italy, tells his story.
urban
culture
culture
The automotive industry: how can we reduce its environmental impact? The answer is in re-using tomatoes, rice, soy and hemp. An organic revolution is underway.
Even in the world of science, accidental discoveries are never purely by chance.
Professor Pievani explains the importance of being "ready" for surprising results.
Knowing how to take a chance event and transform it into a true design icon.
Discovering the furniture designed by the talented Maestro Magistretti.
lifestyle
An interview with the founder of Eataly on the great moments of serendipity he has come across in the food and wine sector, collected in an extraordinary new book.
Winning entrepreneurial models that teach us about the energy revolution, and stories of virtuous examples of ecological transition.
Environmental journalism and a duty towards the community. The need to find new narrative codes to reach the public interest.
Issue contributors:
Hervé Barmasse, Mario Bonaccorso, Eleonora Cozzella, Stefania Divertito, Giulia Ferla, Marco Giachetti, Marina Jonna, Martina Liverani, Luca Mercalli, Letizia Palmisano, Telmo Pievani, Federico Quaranta, Monica Sozzi
Conversations with:
Oscar Farinetti, Jock Zonfrillo