Italy
At the Festival of Economics and Spirituality, among whose promoters is spazio + spadoni, the economist Luigino Bruni reflects on the reasons for peace and war. A line of thought that meets the reEvolution of the works of mercy: helping is not enough, we must nurture people capable of caring for others.
Peace is not born solely from treaties, government decisions, or economic balances. It is also born from quiet gestures, cherished relationships, and time dedicated to someone without expecting a measurable result.
It is one of the most significant messages of their reflection presented during the opening remarks on November 13 at the Festival of Economics and Spirituality, dedicated this year to the reasons for peace and war.
Traversing the pages of the Bible and the history of economic thought, Bruni invited reflection on a contradiction that runs through humanity: we have achieved extraordinary scientific and technological progress, but all too often we continue to address conflicts through force and violence.
From Cain and Abel to responsibility toward the other
The biblical story of Cain and Abel offers a particularly relevant perspective. To God’s question, “Where is Abel, your brother?”, Cain responds by questioning his own responsibility to be his keeper.
It is precisely this responsibility that is the heart of Bruni’s reflection: there can be no peace where care for the other is lost.
A thought that finds deep resonance with the reEvolution of the works of mercy promoted by spazio + spadoni through OPERA M.
The fourteen works of mercy, spiritual and corporal, do not simply represent a list of charitable acts. They are just as many opportunities to encounter the other, recognize their dignity, and build relationships capable of generating new mercy.
There is no peace without care
Among the most intense passages of the speech, Bruni highlighted the value of seemingly unproductive activities: listening to a young person, accompanying an elderly person, dedicating time to those who suffer.
Gestures that do not necessarily produce profit, visibility, or immediately quantifiable results, but possess immense human value.
This is where economics and spirituality can meet.
And it is here that the reEvolution of the works of mercy proposes a further step: whoever receives mercy must not remain merely the recipient of a gesture, but can become a protagonist of new mercy.
The one who has been “shown mercy” can become merciful. The one who has been listened to can learn to listen. The one who has been welcomed can welcome. The one who has received help can, in turn, become a generator of good.
It is not about asking for a return, but about recognizing that no one is too poor to give something.
Peace does not need majorities
Bruni also recalled the biblical figure of Noah and the significance of small minorities capable of preserving hope.
It doesn’t necessarily take large numbers to start a change. Sometimes, a few people who choose to act differently are enough.
It is a perspective that encourages the mission of the Inhabitants of OPERA M: to spread the knowledge and practice of the works of mercy so that every community can become a generator of peace.
In conclusion, Bruni recalled Francesco Datini, the great merchant from Prato, who explained his commercial vocation through love for the people of the world. A testimony that suggests a decisive question for our time as well:
for whom and for what do we set in motion our skills,
our work, our resources?
The reEvolution of the works of mercy offers a concrete response: transforming the mercy received into mercy given, capable of generating more.
Because peace is not built merely by avoiding war. It is built every day, by caring for the other and making them the protagonist.
Mercy generates mercy.
God’s mercy is at work. ALWAYS.
Digitally created images by spazio + spadoni
