Marco Dallari's New Book 'La bellezza di Sophia' Explores Learning as Aesthetic and Emotional Pursuit
In 2026, Marco Dallari, a Modena native born in 1947, released 'La bellezza di Sophia' through Il Margine. The work posits that the drive to acquire knowledge is an inherent human trait, drawing on Freud's concept of the epistemic drive. Dallari attributes his insights to conversations with his partner Stefania and psychoanalyst Giorgio Fugazza, influenced by an essay from Alessandra Risso. He critiques the Italian educational framework, asserting that Montessori-inspired early education nurtures curiosity, while mandatory secondary schooling enforces discipline and humiliation. Dallari underscores the significance of art, referencing prehistoric graffiti and Schopenhauer’s philosophies, and highlights the 2022 Guggenheim Venice exhibition featuring overlooked women Surrealists. He encourages nurturing curiosity through obscure literature and local experiences instead of conventional travel. Annalisa Trasatti conducted the interview for Artribune.
Key facts
- Marco Dallari published 'La bellezza di Sophia' in 2026 with Il Margine.
- Dallari argues learning is tied to an innate human drive, not pragmatic survival.
- The book was influenced by discussions with psychoanalyst Giorgio Fugazza and partner Stefania.
- Inspiration came from Alessandra Risso's essay 'I modi di amare Sophia.'
- Dallari critiques Italian schools for stifling curiosity with evaluation and discipline.
- He cites prehistoric art and Arthur Schopenhauer to defend art's role in knowledge.
- The 2022 Guggenheim Venice exhibition highlighted women Surrealists like Leonora Carrington.
- Dallari recommends aesthetic exercises like reading obscure books or observing nature.
Entities
Artists
- Marco Dallari
- Leonora Carrington
- Remedios Varo
- Leonor Fini
- Max Ernst
Institutions
- Il Margine
- Guggenheim Venice
- Artribune
Locations
- Modena
- Italy
- Venice
- Sharm el-Sheikh