Tiziano Terzani
Tiziano Terzani: A Life of Courage and Conviction
Full Name and Common Aliases
Tiziano Terzani was born as Tiziano Giorgio Terzani on September 14, 1938. His friends and colleagues often referred to him affectionately as "Ti".
Birth and Death Dates
September 14, 1938 - October 28, 2004
Nationality and Profession(s)
Tiziano Terzani was an Italian journalist, writer, and activist who spent most of his life in Japan. He was a key figure in the development of the Japanese peace movement.
Early Life and Background
Terzani's early life was marked by tragedy when he lost his mother at just four years old. His father, a naval officer, sent him to live with relatives on the island of Elba. This experience had a profound impact on Terzani, shaping his future as an outsider who would often find himself at odds with authority.
In 1956, at the age of 18, Terzani traveled to Japan, where he became fascinated by the country's unique culture and philosophy. He spent several years studying Japanese language and literature before returning to Italy in 1960 to pursue a career in journalism.
Major Accomplishments
Terzani's early reporting days saw him work for various Italian newspapers, including _L'Espresso_ and _Paese Sera_. However, it was his time in Japan that truly defined his professional life. As the Rome correspondent for _The Guardian_, he reported extensively on Japan's post-war reconstruction and the country's rapidly changing society.
In 1975, Terzani became a founding member of the Italian-Japanese peace movement, advocating for an end to nuclear testing and the promotion of non-violent conflict resolution. He was also a vocal critic of Western imperialism and its impact on developing countries.
Notable Works or Actions
Terzani's most notable work is perhaps his book _Journey into Japan_, a critically acclaimed memoir that explores his experiences as a foreigner in Japan. This book, first published in 1980, offers a unique perspective on Japanese culture and society during the post-war period.
In addition to his writing, Terzani was also known for his activism and advocacy work. In 1995, he founded the _Peace Media Project_, an organization dedicated to promoting non-violent conflict resolution and providing support to grassroots peace initiatives around the world.
Impact and Legacy
Tiziano Terzani's life and work had a profound impact on those who knew him. His unwavering commitment to peace and social justice inspired countless individuals, including many Japanese activists who credit him with helping shape their own understanding of non-violent resistance.
Terzani's legacy extends far beyond his own lifetime. Through his writing and advocacy, he helped raise awareness about critical issues such as nuclear disarmament and the role of grassroots activism in promoting positive change.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Tiziano Terzani is widely quoted and remembered for his courageous commitment to peace and social justice. His words and actions continue to inspire individuals around the world who are working towards a more just and peaceful future.
As an outsider who refused to conform, Terzani's life offers a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to make a difference through our choices and actions.
Quotes by Tiziano Terzani
Life is full of opportunities. The problem is to recognize them when they present themselves, and that isn’t always easy. Mine, for instance, had all the marks of a curse: ‘Beware! You run a grave risk of dying in 1993. You mustn’t fly that year. Don’t fly, not even once,’ a fortune-teller told me.
I migliori compagni di viaggio sono i libri: parlano quando si ha bisogno, tacciono quando si vuole silenzio. Fanno compagnia senza essere invadenti. Danno moltissimo senza chiedere nulla.
It is for this reason that art, true art, the one that comes from the soul, is so important in our lives. Art consoles us, it lifts us and directs us. Art cures us. We are not only that which we eat and the air that we breathe. We are also the stories we have heard, the tales we fell asleep listening to when we were children, the books we have read, the music we heard and the emotions that a painting, a statue, or a poem have given us.
Fermati ogni tanto. Fermati e lasciati prendere dal sentimento di meraviglia davanti al mondo.
Quando sei a un bivio e trovi una strada che va in su e una che va in giù, piglia quella che va in su. È più facile andare in discesa, ma alla fine ti trovi in un buco. A salire c'è speranza. È difficile, è un altro modo di vedere le cose, ti tiene all'erta.
Il problema è che fino a quando penseremo di avere il monopolio del <>, fino a che parleremo della nostra come LA civiltà, ignorando le altre, non saremo sulla buona strada".
Il problema è che fino a quando penseremo di avere il monopolio del bene, fino a che parleremo della nostra come LA civiltà, ignorando le altre, non saremo sulla buona strada.
Lei era tutto. Primo, costituiva una certezza attorno alla quale tutto girava, una certezza di libertà e un senso di sicurezza. E' stata quello che il grande poeta bengalese che cito sempre è riuscito così bene a descrivere, il palo al quale l'elefante si fa legare con un filo di seta. Se l'elefante dà uno strattone può scappare quando vuole, ma non lo tira. Ha scelto di essere legato con un filo di seta a quel palo.