CRISTOGIANNI BORSELLA

Well, as you probably know already, I am a published author. However, in addition to writing, my hobbies include: reading books on ancient history, studying politics, philosophy and religion, hiking in the countryside, observing nature, listening to all kinds of musical styles, working out, eating Italian and other Mediterranean, watching old movies, and of course spending quality time with friends and family.

Some of my favorite books include: Herland, Animal Farm, Coming Up for Air, 1984, Fathers and Sons, Common Sense, Virgil's Aeneid, and Aesop's Fables.

Some favorite quotes:

"Patriotism, red hot, is compatible with the existence of a neglect of national interests, a dishonesty, a cold indifference to the suffering of millions. Patriotism is largely pride, and very largely combativeness. Patriotism generally has a chip on its shoulder." - Charlotte Perkins Gilman, in Herland.

"We cannot take communion from the altars of a dominant culture that confuses price with value and converts people and countries into merchandise." - Eduardo Galeano

"I think many years ago an advanced civilization intervened with us genetically and gave us just enough intelligence to develop dangerous technology but not enough to use it wisely. Then they sat back to watch the fun. Kind of like a human zoo. And you know what? They're getting their money's worth." - George Carlin

"You know the line of talk. These chaps can churn it out by the hour. Just like a gramophone. Turn the handle, press the button and it starts. Democracy, Fascism, Democracy." - George Orwell, in Coming Up for Air.

"In the shop for Unity; anything that you see there except the One is an idol." - Rumi.

"Let us put our trust in the eternal spirit which destroys and annihilates only because it is the unsearchable and eternally creative source of all." - Bakunin

"I AM big. It's the pictures that got small." - Nora Desmond in Sunset Blvd.

"Do or do not. There is no try." - Yoda.

"Omnia vanitas." - King Solomon (Ecclesiastes).