Chapter 2: Chosen: Italy
"The idea of the essential unity of the Mediterranean Sea can be traced back to antiquity, as can the recognition of the central nature of the Italian peninsula in that sea. Writing in 77 A.D., at a time when the Roman Empire ensured the political and environmental unity of the Mediterranean, Pliny the Elder described Italy as follows: 'a land that is both the adopted daughter and the mother of all other lands, chosen by divine providence to make the sky itself more famous, to unite scattered empires, to tame wild customs, to bring together the discordant and barbarous languages of numerous peoples into the conversation of a single language, to give civilization to humanity, in short, to become the sole homeland of all races on Earth.' A Roman writing at a time when the imperial expansion of his city seemed unstoppable, Pliny was confident in the dignity and greatness of the Roman project to subsume the various societies of the ancient Mediterranean under a single political, linguistic, and legal order."
- Monique O'Connell, "The Italian Renaissance in the Mediterranean or Between East and West? A Review Article"
In the vibrant heart of Siena, a quaint city known for its historic charm and artistic legacy, Alessio Ricci, a modest 28-year-old hotel receptionist, went about his daily routine. Every kind smile he bestowed upon the guests concealed a well of unspoken disappointment. Once, his dreams had been painted in vibrant colors on the canvas of his childhood imagination, where he had aspired to become a celebrated artist. Yet, as time marched on, his canvases had been relegated to a dim corner of his cozy apartment.
One serene afternoon, the hotel lobby held a captivating piece of art that seemed to capture Alessio's gaze. His eyes, filled with longing, studied the masterpiece with a mixture of admiration and sorrow.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" a curious guest remarked, her eyes following his gaze.
Alessio nodded, a smile that felt almost foreign gracing his lips. "Yes, it's a magnificent painting."
The observant woman sensed the hidden depths of his passion. With gentle curiosity, she ventured, "Are you an artist, perhaps?"
Alessio's reply hung in the air for a fleeting moment as he considered his journey and the detour life had taken him on. He finally replied, with a hint of humility, "I used to be, but life led me down a different path."
This brief exchange, like a fleeting brushstroke on the canvas of his existence, left an indelible impression on Alessio. It served as a poignant reminder that the embers of his love for art still smoldered, even if they had been relegated to the shadows of his everyday life.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone