“It is an era of ‘Discontents’, a gap between expectations and who we are”

2023-07-26 18:22:30

“I considered how discontent is the deepest and most persistent feeling of our age. There is a lot of talk about anger, resentment, in reality discontent is the element that characterizes us”. This was stated in a chat with time.news by the writer and essayist Marcello Veneziani speaking of his latest book ‘Discontenti – Why we don’t like the world we live in’ (pp. 176, Marsilio editions), in which he tackles what he defines as “the dark evil of our age”. “Not being happy with our life, the difficult relationship between our desires and what we are: this is the true meaning of discontent. The gap between expectations and what we really have or are”, explains Veneziani.

Trying to draw up a profile of the ‘discontented’. “Considering that discontent is not a small minority but almost the most widespread typology, making an ‘identikit’ I would define it as someone who lives in contrast with his era – the writer points out – the one who votes for the opposition, who takes to the streets and it manifests, with the banlieue and in other places. Discontent has various forms, from the public one of discontent to the private one of frustration and dissatisfaction”. Basically, the one who always says ‘no’? “We need to make a distinction between the discontented and the hard to please – warns the essayist – The latter always say no, the former always have a critical position on everything that concerns their time.

Can this phenomenon also be found in politics? “In politics we have further proof of this -Veneziani confirms- Let’s consider the elections of the last ten years: whoever is in the opposition has always won. Meloni, Salvini had great success, and let’s not forget that almost half of the electorate does not go to vote, so yes, he also has a political figure”. With this book, Veneziani is a finalist in the historic ‘Caccuri’ literary prize. “I am pleased to participate in this prize, despite the title of the book I am happy -Veneziani smiles- This prize has a history and prestige, and I know that there are other names of great importance. While not pursuing literary prizes at all costs, it is It’s always nice to feel recognized.”