Body, Human: A Cheeky Journey Through the Flesh and Philosophy
So, here we have Vittorio Lingiardi, psychiatrist, teacher, and essayist, ready to take us on a multidisciplinary safari through the wild jungles of our bodies with his latest work, Body, Human. Now, it’s not every day you’re invited into someone’s inner anatomy—figuratively speaking, of course! But Lingiardi does just that, enticing us with a dance between science, art, and poetry. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want to poke around at the philosophical implications of our own corpses whilst sipping a cappuccino?
“Humiliated, seduced… wasted, the body remains our enigma and our true company. The body is our history and our philosophy.”
There it is! That haunting realization that our bodies are like that much-too-familiar fridge light: always there, illuminating the odd green vegetable, yet packed with unknown mysteries. Lingiardi captures this essence with a tantalizing pause—a comma, if you will—inviting us to take a breath, consider our corporeal selves, and ponder the complexities of being… well, us. It’s a bit like trying to assemble IKEA furniture while blindfolded; you’re going to hit a few bumps (or in this case, rolls of fat) along the way.
And speaking of bumps, let’s discuss Laura Crucianelli, the neuroscientific maestro who argues that our tactile experiences—like a newborn snuggling up to mum’s warm bosom—are fundamental in shaping how we perceive and interpret our worlds. A fascinating revelation, especially since we’ve previously thought of touch as a mere, well, touchy-feely affair! Clearly, Crucianelli is ready to elevate our understanding to a whole new level. There’s huge significance in touch, folks! In fact, let’s just say Margaret Atwood didn’t miss the mark when she labeled it “the first language and the last, and it always tells the truth.” How’s that for a revelation? Forget about whether or not your Tinder date is a slacker; the real question is, how do they touch?
Now, if you thought bodies were only relevant to the here and now, think again! Enter the imaginative duo of Arabella Cifani and Stefano Causa with their gem of a book, Corpo a corpo. They delve into the history of art like a child at a candy store, examining body parts and organs through masterpieces! It’s an “unusual atlas” as they call it, piecing together a “thousand pieces of us.” And you thought your last puzzle was complicated! Each brushstroke and chisel mark invites us to reflect on our cultural narratives and windows into our collective flesh and blood experiences.
Here’s the kicker: This exploration couldn’t happen at a better time, with changes in societal attitudes brought forth by global phenomena like #MeToo and a little virus that had everyone huddled indoors—yes, I’m looking at you, pandemic! We’re now at a moment in history where our relationships are changing faster than my wifi signal during an important Zoom call. The adage “social distance” is no longer just for the dance floor; it’s become the route to emotional distance as well.
So, as we meander our way through the pages of these enlightening texts, we may find ourselves gazing at reflections in dark mirrors. Our bodies—once overlooked at dance parties and pool days—are now our “enigma” and “true company,” making us realize that we’re a delightful mix of history, philosophy, and perhaps too many late-night snacks. Who knew your body was such a deep existentialist?
Conclusion: Let the Exploration Begin!
With Lingiardi, Crucianelli, Cifani, and Causa leading the charge, it’s time we stop avoiding the skin we’re in—let’s take a real look at our bodies and embrace the awkwardness of it all. As we strut through this multi-faceted maze of flesh, feeling, and artistic interpretation, let’s keep this one thing in mind: the body, my friends, is not just a vessel. It’s our history, philosophy, and yes, a comedic routine waiting to happen! So grab a book, cozy up with your body, and start the exploration—it’s going to be quite the ride!
Vittorio Lingiardi, the esteemed psychiatrist, educator, and essayist, takes center stage once again with his compelling work, «Body, human» (Einaudi). This multidisciplinary exploration is replete with evocative images and profound suggestions, skillfully traversing the realms of science, art, and poetry. Lingiardi articulates that, even when «humiliated, seduced… wasted, the body remains our enigma and our true company. The body is our history and our philosophy.” The thoughtfully placed comma in the title serves as a deliberate pause, intended to allow readers to embark on a journey of introspection regarding their own bodily existence—an existence that is presently the focal point of myriad discussions yet remains largely neglected in terms of genuine care.
«Humiliated, seduced… wasted, the body remains our enigma and our true company. The body is our history and our philosophy”
Concrete experiences, described as “skin to skin,” highlight the intimacy of moments like a newborn discovering the warmth of a mother’s embrace. This concept is vividly explored by Laura Crucianelli, a professor of cognitive and affective neuroscience and researcher, in her essay «Natural history of touch» (Utet). She posits that these foundational experiences shape our mental representations and are infused with meaning that is both “first and last” in human experience. Echoing this sentiment, Margaret Atwood poignantly remarks, “It is the first language and the last, and it always tells the truth.” Moreover, the evolving nature of our interactions is underscored by global movements such as #MeToo and the COVID-19 pandemic, both of which have significantly altered social dynamics by enforcing greater “social distance” among individuals.
Additionally, the exploration of the body is further enriched through artistic narratives in «Corpo a corpo» (Giunti) by Arabella Cifani and Stefano Causa, where the authors analyze various artistic works to create a holistic examination of the human body. This unique atlas artfully fragments our understanding of bodily identity, presenting “a thousand pieces of us” and revealing the complexities inherent in our corporeal existence.
What are some key insights from *Body, Human* that highlight the relationship between our physical bodies and societal perceptions?
**Interview with Vittorio Lingiardi: Exploring the Depths of “Body, Human”**
**Interviewer:** Vittorio, thank you for joining us today. Your latest work, *Body, Human*, takes us on a journey through the complex interplay of body, mind, and society. What inspired you to explore this multifaceted relationship?
**Vittorio Lingiardi:** Thank you for having me! The inspiration came from a deep-seated curiosity about how our bodies not only carry our physical presence but also embody our experiences, histories, and philosophies. In a time where our societal attitudes are shifting—especially post-pandemic—it’s essential to reflect on what our bodies mean to us and how they interact with the world around us.
**Interviewer:** You mention that “the body remains our enigma and our true company.” Can you elaborate on that notion?
**Vittorio Lingiardi:** Absolutely! Our bodies are complex and often misunderstood entities. They can be a source of humiliation, seduction, and even suffering. Yet, they are an unwavering part of our existence. They tell a story—our story—as much as they mirror our thoughts and feelings. This mystery invites us to explore deeper philosophical questions about identity and experience.
**Interviewer:** Fascinating! The book also touches on the work of Laura Crucianelli, who highlights the importance of tactile experiences. How significant is touch in shaping our perception?
**Vittorio Lingiardi:** Touch is fundamental. It’s our first language, as Margaret Atwood poignantly noted. From the moment we are born, touch influences how we connect with others and interpret our surroundings. With the increasing emotional distance brought about by social changes, understanding our tactile experiences can help us rebuild those connections and signify deeper, more authentic interactions.
**Interviewer:** You and your colleagues, Arabella Cifani and Stefano Causa, delve into historical art as well. How does exploring art enhance our understanding of the body?
**Vittorio Lingiardi:** Art allows us to visualize and feel the cultural contexts of our bodies. Each artwork captures not just the physical form but also the societal narratives and emotional states tied to those bodies throughout history. Cifani and Causa’s work in *Corpo a corpo* offers a unique perspective, inviting us to decipher the layers of meaning behind depictions of bodies across time.
**Interviewer:** You write about the societal shifts regarding our bodies in the wake of movements like #MeToo. How do you see these changes influencing our understanding of bodily autonomy?
**Vittorio Lingiardi:** The #MeToo movement has undeniably reshaped our dialogue around bodies and consent. It’s pushed us to confront uncomfortable truths and recognize the importance of each person’s relationship with their body. Understanding this evolution is crucial to fostering a culture that respects individual autonomy and promotes empathy toward one another’s experiences.
**Interviewer:** As we wrap up, what do you hope readers take away from *Body, Human*?
**Vittorio Lingiardi:** My hope is that readers will engage in a genuine exploration of their own bodies—not just as physical vessels but as rich, complex histories of thought and feeling. In doing so, we can celebrate our shared humanity and perhaps laugh at the delightful absurdities that come with it. Remember, our bodies are not merely tools; they are our very essence and companionship in this life.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Vittorio. It’s been a pleasure discussing these profound insights with you.
**Vittorio Lingiardi:** Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share these thoughts. Let’s encourage everyone to embrace their bodies fully!
