Unfortunately for us, our only prominent national acquaintance is with Sonia Maino(?) Gandhi who, being a devout Catholic, has decided to follow the recent papal declaration/order to convert India to Christendom - like how Helena and her evil son Constantine converted Rome.
I've never met any Italians. My only knowledge of the people comes from movies and of course from reading about ancient Rome (which probably makes all that I know out of date).
I admire the old philosophers (which include emperors Marcus Aurelius and Julianus) and the humanity of its people. Joseph McCabe, a historian, wrote that
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->In the first century (A.D.), under the pagan emperors, more than three hundred thousand orphans were reared in public institutions in Italy alone. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->That is sign of a wonderful people. All the population in the Roman republic and empire was literate, because they valued education, and teachers were held in high regard (a very auspicious thing, and hallmark of a good people).
I also like how the ancient Romans were incredibly pluralistic - a lot like Hindus, Buddhists, Taoists, Shintoists, native Americans and the like. One day I plan to visit Japan (Shinto shrines) and then Greece and Rome, especially the temples.
How could I forget: a big fan of the fantasy movies by the genius Lamberto Bava. Nothing that comes from Hollywood can even remotely compare to the artistic sense, archetypal plot, fabulous actors or insanely funny dialogue in his movies. Great stuff.
I've never met any Italians. My only knowledge of the people comes from movies and of course from reading about ancient Rome (which probably makes all that I know out of date).
I admire the old philosophers (which include emperors Marcus Aurelius and Julianus) and the humanity of its people. Joseph McCabe, a historian, wrote that
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->In the first century (A.D.), under the pagan emperors, more than three hundred thousand orphans were reared in public institutions in Italy alone. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->That is sign of a wonderful people. All the population in the Roman republic and empire was literate, because they valued education, and teachers were held in high regard (a very auspicious thing, and hallmark of a good people).
I also like how the ancient Romans were incredibly pluralistic - a lot like Hindus, Buddhists, Taoists, Shintoists, native Americans and the like. One day I plan to visit Japan (Shinto shrines) and then Greece and Rome, especially the temples.
How could I forget: a big fan of the fantasy movies by the genius Lamberto Bava. Nothing that comes from Hollywood can even remotely compare to the artistic sense, archetypal plot, fabulous actors or insanely funny dialogue in his movies. Great stuff.