Lighting a fire means learning to see. Seeing those who are normally not seen, listening to those who are usually not heard, recognizing the existence of those who feel transparent. Because the first act of every change is this: noticing something; above all: noticing someone. But there are moments when disobeying is not only legitimate: it is necessary. When a law is unjust, when an institution oppresses instead of protecting, then saying no becomes a duty and an act of responsibility. Freedom is not a gift that someone gives us and that we can take for granted. It is a daily conquest, which requires attention, effort, and courage. And the first form of freedom is this: knowing that we can always think and choose, even when it seems there is no choice.
Every day, each of us faces a choice. To accept reality as it is or to ask ourselves if there is something that can be changed. To live in indifference or to be fueled by passion and participate, to get involved. To remain silent or to say out loud: «I do not agree.»
In other words: do we intend to live without asking questions, or instead light a fire, taking care not to burn that of others?
Therefore, as citizens who are part of the democratic fabric, it is important to ask the right questions. What is power and who truly exercises it? Why is freedom not doing everything we want? When we use language, are we aware of holding an incredibly powerful tool in our hands, capable of wounding but also of welcoming? Are we capable of transforming a mistake into a drive for self-improvement?
Starting from these essential concepts and from illustrious examples or historical episodes, Gianrico Carofiglio addresses today’s young people to tell how every small action, gesture, and word is a fundamental fuse to trigger the change we want to see realized in the world.