ROME -- Today an undergraduate degree in Engineering costs just 3,500 euros. This degree factory has made it possible for a dunce to obtain at least three degrees. These are the same dunces who, unable to find space in the free market because they lack useful knowledge and a suitable forma mentis, are hired in public schools to teach. Dunces that train other dunces in an interminable chain will produce the debacle of culture and provide a ruling class that will not even know how to draw a circle using the bottom of a glass. What soulless animals!  

 The few who study will certainly make the difference, but they will probably be the ones who will create further damage as they could give rise to a true cultural dictatorship, a single thought destined to produce neither confrontation nor the coveted dialectical discussions and proceedings, the only ones to give rise to a fervent and essential agora of ideas and thoughts harbouring new things on which to converge the interests and intentions that are the essential basis for proceedings to the construction of culture, market and life flourishing with seeds for the future. 

 As far as I am concerned, the blame for the disaster linked to the overabundant ‘junk universities’, as I like to call them, began with Minister Berlinguer who, with his reform, introduced the ‘3+2 system’- the creation of the three-year degree and the specialist degree, a sort of points-based pathway. I, however, would have put the points on his head. 

 We are faced with a complete lack of responsibility that, I believe, stems first and foremost from the families who have little interest in the real education and training of their children and who, wanting to protect them from rigorous teaching and the difficulties connected to it, cause a real flight to easy schools and even to universities, the online ones, which ensure the passing of exams, and therefore, the infamous graduation. This, however, does not produce completeness of education nor does it encourage curiosity, an essential resource for doing better and deepening knowledge. 

 Online universities are reduced to the brute mechanism whereby you simply have to pay and then you can pick up as many degrees as you want: just crash courses and pop quizzes. Very little is needed.

 I believe, however, that universities must invest and make themselves available to expand their educational offerings by launching new degree courses, above all by adapting to the market and guaranteeing seriousness and quality. Merit, talent and skills must be valued. Neither the need to minimise the use of online universities nor the danger of cultural dictatorship or hegemony can be neglected. It is necessary for everyone to take the risk of sailing on the open sea and among the waves of the storm to find footholds to ground knowledge and the pillars of a wise and ethical life. 

 In conclusion, I cannot avoid emphasising the extent to which online universities have facilitated, in an unworthy manner I would say, many men and women who represent us, state officials, men from the military corps or other important categories who, using this easy way of obtaining qualifications, have had no qualms about moving up the ladder to advance their careers, contributing to the increased costs that the state has to bear. 

THOSE DAMN 30 DENARI 

It was dark. 

The night, like a thief, was stealing dreams,

A strong wind

Shook the leaves, 

The trees

Seemed to whisper bitter words, 

The sky was hidden, 

The air was tense…

The man with curls faded by time, 

Like a weasel,

Emerged from the bushes

Ready to maul noble hearts.

A glance, a handshake, 

With the flowery stone

Would snatch hope and 

Gave tears and mercy 

To sunless men.

Then nothingness carved out time, 

Then day, then night…

The child of the world, laden with pain

Traced the last paths of light…

Then an embrace, a kiss,

A cry of pain

Crossed mountains and 

Meandered through valleys. 

Moments of dismay

Filled that silence

Made of ruins, while 

The pity of the world 

Began to reap

The first victims

For a love full of life. 

What have I done

To deserve

To be sold 

As a beast at the market? 

I, the very one

Who sowed light

To reap life?

Translations: Catherine White