Politicians do nothing but ask of us, during every expiration of a legal statute, "a gesture of trust." But here trust is not enough; what's needed is an act of faith.

Fascism rewarded jackasses in uniform. Democracy gives privileges to those in sports' gear. In Italy, political regimes come to pass. Jackasses remain. Triumphant.

Servitude, in many cases, is not forced upon by the masters, but a temptation of the servants.

Cynics are all moralists, and merciless too.

Italian husbands, in order to buy their wives a fur coat, spend more than all their European collegues.

An Italian university is a contradiction in terms.

The only advice that I'm in the mood to give - and that I give regularly - to young people is this: fight for what you believe in. You will lose, just like I have lost, all the battles. But only one you may win. The one that you engage every morning, in front of the mirror.