Hunting Dreams and Historical Memory
Oscar Farinetti, known for his creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, does not hide his passion for history and memory. On the occasion of his seventieth birthday, he shared his dreams and reflections in a detailed interview. One of the themes that emerges strongly is his willingness to “go hunting for fascists.” These words reveal not only a desire to fight against totalitarian ideologies but also a call to the history of his country, emphasizing the importance of not forgetting the dark pages of the past.
Farinetti describes the unbreakable bond he has with his father, a partisan who fought during the Italian resistance. This family legacy drives him to be vigilant and active in defending democratic values. “I was very lucky to be born the son of a partisan,” he proudly states, emphasizing how this heritage is fundamental to his identity. His vision is not just a nostalgic memory but a call to action in today’s world to ensure that the past does not repeat itself.
In a context of increasing political and social polarization, Farinetti urges to remain united against all forms of intolerance, inviting the new generations to be guardians of historical memory. Through his life experience, the founder of Eataly emphasizes the value of dialogue and understanding as achievable paths to build a better future. His idea of “hunting” does not refer to violent action but rather to an intellectual and cultural endeavor, where knowledge and awareness of history are fundamental weapons in the battle against ignorance.
The Story of Oscar Farinetti
Oscar Farinetti has built a career that reflects not only his entrepreneurial spirit but also a deep connection with his historical roots. Born in a modest public housing unit, Farinetti found himself fighting from a young age to realize his dreams. His excellence led him to become the founder of Eataly, a brand that revolutionized the way Italians and the world perceive food and culinary culture.
His path, characterized by difficult beginnings, is illuminated by vivid memories, such as the tremendous sacrifices of his parents and the importance of family. His wife, with whom he even formed a bond through a vacuum cleaner, and his three grandchildren are key elements in the narrative of his life, providing an intimate glimpse into how love and family support have been fundamental in his entrepreneurial journey.
In an era where traditional values seem to be called into question, Farinetti represents a figure who does not forget his own history. The memory of his father, the “Commander,” a brave partisan, marks his identity and motivates him to fight against any form of oppression. “The greatest fortune would have been to be born in 1922,” he reveals with a hint of nostalgia, recognizing and honoring the courage of those who fought for freedom.
This collection of experiences and anecdotes not only helps paint a portrait of a successful man but also serves to convey a powerful message: historical memory is fundamental in shaping contemporary society and fighting the ideologies that threaten democracy and human rights.
A Legacy of Values and Ideals
Oscar Farinetti embodies an ideal fusion of entrepreneurship and civic engagement, a combination that is reflected in the values and principles conveyed by his family. Growing up in an environment where sacrifice and the struggle for freedom were daily occurrences, his upbringing was deeply influenced by his father’s example as a partisan. This family bond is not just a chapter in his biography but represents a fundamental life lesson about what it means to be guardians of democracy. Farinetti highlights how the legacy of the “Commander” is not limited to a nostalgic narrative but translates into active commitment for the common good.
In his vision, democratic values and the fight against intolerance must be passed on to future generations. Farinetti urges young people to recognize the importance of history, to study the past to avoid repeating the mistakes of previous eras. “We must teach young people to recognize the signs of intolerance and the violation of human rights,” he passionately affirms. His conviction is that every individual has a responsibility to keep historical memory alive, a task as challenging as it is essential, in an era when social dynamics sometimes seem to slip toward oblivion and indifference.
His entrepreneurial activity, through Eataly, is not only a way to promote high-quality food and wine products but also a vehicle to spread culture and civic awareness. In this light, Farinetti has organized events and initiatives that not only celebrate Italian culinary traditions but also serve as spaces for discussion and reflection on socially relevant issues.
His legacy is thus dual: on one hand, an example of ethical and responsible entrepreneurship; on the other, a call to unite forces against any form of oppression, an invitation to be ever vigilant and active in safeguarding rights and freedoms. Through his life and work, Farinetti presents himself as an activist for historical memory, aware that the past, although painful, is essential for building a future of peace and freedom.
The Bond with New Generations
Oscar Farinetti emphasizes the importance of transmitting fundamental values to younger people, considering them guardians and custodians of a historical legacy that must not be forgotten. During the interview, he expressed his desire to inspire new generations to understand and appreciate the meaning of history and the value of freedom. “It is crucial for young people to learn from their ancestors,” he states, highlighting how historical memory can serve as a guide to face the challenges of the present and the future.
In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, Farinetti worries that younger generations may lose touch with historical and social reality. “We must teach them never to take for granted what we have,” he warns, urging to keep alive the awareness of the sacrifices of those who fought for rights and democracy. His vision of active youth involvement also implies participation in community initiatives that promote dialogue and mutual respect.
Farinetti also spoke about the importance of engaging with young people through languages and forms that they can relate to. He suggested that events and projects related to food, culture, and art could represent an excellent starting point to raise awareness on relevant social issues. “Food is a universal language,” he observes, emphasizing how sharing culinary experiences can become a catalyst for deeper conversations about memory, culture, and human rights.
The founder of Eataly offers a message of optimism and responsibility, inviting young people to be proactive in defending democratic values and social justice. He concludes by expressing his belief that, if properly educated and inspired, they can become protagonists of a better future, fighting against all forms of intolerance and contributing to a more equitable and supportive society.
Reflections on Contemporary Society
Oscar Farinetti offers an incisive and critical view of contemporary society, highlighting the challenges that modern democracies face. Political polarization, the rise of extremist ideologies, and the erosion of democratic values are issues that deeply concern him. Through his life experience and the historical legacy of his partisan father, he proposes a proactive approach to tackling these difficulties. “Our society is at a crucial moment,” he asserts, underlining the urgency of uniting forces against all forms of intolerance and discrimination.
Farinetti highlights the importance of open and constructive dialogue between the different parts of society. He believes that only through communication and mutual listening can divisions be overcome and a culture of peace and respect be promoted. “We cannot ignore the voices that rise against democracy,” he warns, drawing attention to the dangers of misinformation and indifference. His challenge is to encourage informed debate, based on facts and history, to counter destructive narratives that often take hold.
In this context, Farinetti emphasizes the importance of new generations, not just as guardians of historical memory, but also as active protagonists of change. He believes that young people must be empowered to develop critical thinking, capable of analyzing reality and distinguishing between truth and manipulation. “Education is the key to building a better future,” he firmly declares, urging institutions and families to invest in the civic education of young people.
Farinetti concludes by expressing his confidence in the resilience of democracy and in people’s ability to recognize and fight injustices. His vision for a more equitable and supportive society is imbued with hope and determination, a call never to underestimate the power of collective action in preserving fundamental rights and freedoms. For him, history must serve as a guide and stimulus to make informed choices so that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.