"Brazil is not the best of all possible worlds, but it is the best of all existing worlds."
"After copying the European model for 450 years and American model for 50, now that both are in crisis and there is no new one to replace it, it's time for Brazil to propose a model for the world," he says in interview with Folha.
Brazil is the best of all existing worlds, says Italian sociologist
14/03/2013 - 08H49
MORRIS KACHANI
FROM SÃO PAULO
For the Italian sociologist Domenico De Masi, "Brazil is not the best of all possible worlds, but it is the best of all existing worlds."
"After copying the European model for 450 years and American model for 50, now that both are in crisis and there is no new one to replace it, it's time for Brazil to propose a model for the world," he says in interview with Folha.
"Brazil today is less known and appreciated than it deserves. It is almost as large as China, but it is a democracy. Brazil is almost three times larger than India, has almost the same number of ethnicities and religions, but lives in peace within and peace with neighboring countries. It is four times larger than the eurozone, but has only one government and speaks just one language. Brazil is the country with the most Catholics, but where the population lives in the most pagan manner. Brazil is the only country in the world where the culture still retains characteristics of solidarity, sensuality, joy and openness."
De Masi will participate in the first edition of "Refletir Brasil" (reflecting Brazil) "Dialogue with Brazilianness" in Paraty, between the 20th and 22nd. The event will bring together intellectuals and leaders in thematic panels on culture, education, economics, creativity and sustainability.
A professor at La Sapienza University of Rome, De Masi, 75, became known in 2000 with the release of "Creative Idleness," a book that advocates the reduction of working hours and flexibility of free time in a context more appropriate to globalization and the post-industrial society.
Translated by DAVE WOLIN |
