There are ninety-one candles to blow out this December 22nd. An important milestone was achieved by Piero Angela, who has been bringing knowledge into Italian homes for many years. Comfortably seated on the sofa, the spectator enjoys free of charge that culture that otherwise we would have to go looking for ourselves. His is a far-sighted idea, which for years has been quenching the thirst for knowing that so much gives us intellectual well-being. Wishing him a happy birthday, let's try to retrace the most salient moments of his life together.
Piero Angela: the family
Turin, 22 December 1928. A difficult time to be born, between the two World Wars. Son of Maria Luigia Maglia and the psychiatrist Carlo Angelo. By risking their own life, Piero's father saved numerous Jews by hiding them in the mental hospital of which he was director. A gesture full of a rare humanity in years when madness raged wickedly. But what kind of boy was Piero? In an interview some time ago he said something curious. "Personally, I was deadly bored at school and was a bad student."
Who would have thought that? And it is perhaps precisely from this that the drive to overcome the idea of knowledge as something tedious arises. "All those involved in teaching should continually remember the ancient Latin motto" ludendo docere ", that is," teach while having fun "". Piero probably had unattractive teachers! Despite this, he obtained a scientific high school diploma and enrolled at the Polytechnic of Turin with the intention of becoming an engineer. Parallel to his canonical studies he attended the conservatory. Perhaps not everyone knows that the well-known popularizer is also a skilled pianist, a lover of jazz! Very reserved about his private life, it is known that he has been married for a long time to Margherita Pastore, a very talented dancer. From her he had the support that has accompanied the many years of his career, without discount of criticism! Their union gave birth to a large family: the children Christine and Alberto and the five male grandchildren.
Disseminate with style
What made Piero Angela so famous? Passion, preparation and courtesy. These are perhaps the key qualities that have guided his profitable career. It is Piero himself who reiterates this. “Individuals who are most successful (and not just women) are usually strong on the inside and courteous on the outside. It's a bit like the piano. I always remember what my old piano teacher told me: to have a good touch you need steel fingers in velvet gloves… Maybe that's the way it is in life too ». An interesting lesson that we should all keep in mind. Because, as said by the father of multiple intelligences Howard Gardner, "a bad person never becomes an excellent professional". It is necessary to go beyond one's selfishness, greed and single ambition. But put yourself at the service of others so that personal skills can be a benefit to all.
How could beauty be built and spread if emotional goodness was lacking? The way to success is always the result of a series of balances. And this Piero must certainly have understood! The elegance and sobriety of his figure go hand in hand with a rich cultural background. Journalist, writer, host, author of programs more famous. We all remember Quark, a program capable of explaining the most varied topics in a simple and immediate way. Astronomy, history, psychology, medicine and many others. Spot curiosity on different themes conveyed by a language within the reach of the public. Perhaps the communication strategy, savoir faire, preparation and intuition. These are the ingredients that made it Piero Angela the cultural popularizer par excellence. A precious legacy carried on by his son Alberto who continues his father's path with the same kindness and elegance.
