London, 24 September 2025 – The Embassy of Italy in London hosted the presentation of Socrates, Agata and the Future – The Art of Growing Old with Philosophy, the latest work by writer and journalist Beppe Severgnini. The event took the form of a conversation between the author and the Ambassador of Italy to the United Kingdom, Inigo Lambertini.
The book offers a reflection on the passage of time and the meaning of aging, with a tone that is both ironic and profound. Hinduism teaches that human life is divided into four stages: the first is for learning, guided by a master; the second for self-fulfillment; the third for teaching and passing on knowledge; the final one is marked by a gradual detachment from material things in preparation for departure. In contemporary society, many struggle to embrace this last stage, continuing to chase roles, recognition, and social gratification even in later years.
With the help of a granddaughter who teaches him the value of daily chaos, Beppe Severgnini reflects on the passing of time and the complicated years we are living through. He encourages his generation to “wear their age with elegance,” behaving with kindness, learning from failures, cultivating patience, spending time with intelligent people and in beautiful places that spark fresh ideas, and accepting that there is a time for everything – and that the generations of children and grandchildren need space and encouragement. Not unbearable elders.
“I was pleased to host at the Embassy the presentation of Beppe Severgnini’s latest book, which invites us to reflect on time, on generations, and on the value of shared knowledge. In a complex international context, initiatives such as this contribute to strengthening cultural dialogue and to highlighting the importance of Italian literature as a tool for mutual understanding,” stated Ambassador Inigo Lambertini.
About the Author
BEPPE SEVERGNINI has been a columnist for Corriere della Sera since 1995, where he created the blog Italians (1998) and was editor-in-chief of the weekly magazine 7 (2017–2019). He was an opinion writer for The New York Times from 2013 to 2021, and Italy correspondent for The Economist (1996–2003). He has also served as a correspondent in London and Washington, D.C., and as a special reporter in Russia, China, and the Middle East.
He is the author of many bestsellers: the first was Inglesi (1990), the most recent Socrates, Agata and the Future (2025), which topped the charts in Italy for several weeks. The English translation of La testa degli italiani (2005), published as La Bella Figura (2006), became a New York Times bestseller. All of his titles are available with BUR.
He is married to Ortensia. His children Antonio and Benedetta are happy to entrust him with Agata, who takes care of her grandfather’s education.
For further information, please contact: stampa.amblondra@esteri.it
