The return of hope

In politics, where the sometimes dramatically ridiculous "theatrics" are increasingly unconvincing, there are those who are striving to find paths closer to the "feelings and needs" of Italians. In everyday life, where resentment and anger have, for years, conditioned decisions, the threads of days, families, and relationships have begun to intertwine again: the offers of cultural encounters and the search for strong values ​​overflow. In volunteer work, where 4.5 million people are involved. In the youth centers that silently replace the State that is absent or deaf. How many centers are there today that welcome young people, with parents busy with work, for a quick meal, homework, play, or a growth in the meaning of life? So many. In hospitals, where volunteer foundations are multiplying, working alongside local health authorities to manage admissions, visits, and life in the hospital corridors. In Beirut, in Gaza. Everyone has seen the surge of the exodus toward peace, but also the chilling spectacle of Hamas freeing hostages after Israel's unacceptable exaggerations in the Gaza Strip, and Trump's surreal statements and ideas. In Ukraine, there's talk of peace, but it must be a just peace. There is hope: in the associations, which have never stopped cultivating dreams, but now do so with a new, fresh, youthful spirit. It's the effect of a wind that once was like a breeze, now blowing strongly because it's rediscovering the authenticity of giving. Young people, between the ages of 14 and 17, active in groups were 4% in 2021, now they're about 7%; in associations, they were 1.5% three years ago, and double today. Something has changed. There is hope.

In the years to come. ISTAT says in its report on Equitable and Sustainable Well-being: In 2023, life expectancy is 83.1 years, up from 2022 (82.3). We're back to pre-Covid times!
Nightlife is in crisis: opportunities are growing in bowling alleys and homes. Many are rediscovering the values ​​that gave our homes a sense of well-being: running less, seeking out less tense and anxiety-filled spaces everywhere, rediscovering passions, building humanity. Of course, the youth gangs, drug dealing, fears and protests remain, the gang that beats, the displaced person who kills for a scooter, but on closer inspection, we see a different atmosphere than three years ago.
Awareness of open doors is growing: social enterprises that focus on integrating people with disabilities are growing. An example: the ethical hotel founded in Asti now has four facilities and works for twenty others. The best part: a third of Italians participate in solidarity initiatives, supporting fundraisers for non-profit groups, for the Civil Protection Department, and for hospitals.
The best and the worst, and, in the middle, there's us. But if many of us add life to our days, and not just days to our lives, the return of hope will rise and, like bread, will have a new flavor, not just in spring.


Gian Mario Ricciardi
NP May 2025