Alain Elkann is one of the greatest witnesses of Italian reputation in the world thanks to his extraordinary international career in journalism, literature, academia and art. A truly eclectic and experienced figure, he received, among his most recent awards, the Italian Reputation Award for Lifetime Achievement in New York from the director of the Italian Cultural Institute Fabio Finotti.
Dr. Elkann, what is Italy’s reputation in the world?
Italy is undoubtedly among the most admired countries in the world thanks to its thousand-year history, extraordinary culture, and creativity in a wide variety of fields, from art to literature, via fashion and design. It represents excellence in so many fields on the international scene that undoubtedly contribute to its reputation.
During his courses taught at the University of Pennsylvania, he promoted Italian literature at the highest level. He recently donated his notes and valuable documents collected during his career to Cornell University. Why this choice?
I want the documentation and scholarly work I have produced over the years to be useful to students and teachers at Cornell University in furthering their research on Italian literature, with a focus on authors of Jewish origin, just as I did with my students at the University of Pennsylvania.
What is your consideration of Italy?
I do not experience Italy on a daily basis as I have lived in London for many years. I travel a lot around the world, but I have to acknowledge that despite all the difficulties I think Italy is better than many other European countries. There is a well-being and quality of life that is superior to many other countries. There needs to be more awareness among Italians as well.
In his books, women are a constant. There emerges a focus on the female figure who is almost always decisive. Why this literary choice?
Women have made great strides in society in recent years. Even in Italy recently we have had evidence of women gaining increasingly important positions in various professional fields. This is a factor that should make Italy proud internally and in the world.
The article Alain Elkann: Italian reputation in the world comes from TheNewyorker.
