Thoughts about my beloved Italy.

[CTyankee]

The Black Plague wiped out one third of the population of Florence in the 14th century and probably produced the Renaissance, according to some art historians. After its terribly experience with the Plague, art was able to flourish and develop into the Early Renaissance. It seemed unbelievable when I was researching the proximate cause of the Renaissance but that is certainly the judgment of many art historians whose works I read.

It gives me pause.

[empedocles]

1. The Black Plague freed up many surviving serfs

[CTyankee]

2. Hell, more people had FOOD. Nutrition. The basics...

[Demonaut]

4. and were in more demand due to the drop in population, better wages etc.

[CTyankee]

5. that is true. And I wonder if they just had more leisure time to develop art and invent things.

The intellectual development alone was astonishing.

[empedocles]

10. Massive impact

[dewsgirl]

3. It's heartbreaking, such beautiful country, full of

wonderful people.

[HarlanPepper]

6. Was there in October

Spent a lot of time in the hardest hit area. I’ll be honest that trip was my wife’s pick and I was enthused to go but not as much as I have been going to other places.

Boy was I wrong. By the end of the trip I fell head over heels in love with Italy. The people, the sights and the food and wine are every bit as good as advertised. I look forward to going back and helping their tourism economy get back on track one day soon.

[Drahthaardogs]

7. We are from Canavesse

Just north of Torino at the headwaters of the Fiume di Po. For 200 years we have made sautissa, salamini, proscuitto, and salam d' la duja. It was once our livelihood, now I only do it as a hobby. My grandfather and mother spoke piedmontese (I speak Dante).

My heart aches for this region and the people.

[elleng]

8. Trying not to think about it, Yank,

our honeymoon and various trips.

Good that family participated, and concerned my grands may not get 'over there.'

[CTyankee]

9. Oh, it will survive but I do wonder what will be produced as a result of the virus.

the works of art will still be there for your grands and mine. So that we can be thankful for!

[Demonaut]

11. the collapse of the current civilization, can we stop ourselves from self destructing?

[CTyankee]

12. Unintended consequences...

[Demonaut]

13. are they "unintended consequences"? or is it reset?

[CTyankee]

14. If I were to go by the example of the Black Plague I would say both.

Or at least I see it that way.

[Hekate]

15. KnR