Focus: “Dialogue, Conflict, Contradiction: The Life of Scipio Slataper”
Last night, at the historic Antico Caffè San Marco in Trieste, the conference “Dialogue, Conflict, Contradiction: The Life of Scipio Slataper” took place. The event was organised by the cultural association “Manlio Cecovini Study Society”. The speaker, Luca Zorzenon, President of the Scipio Slataper Study Centre, delivered an in-depth and insightful analysis of the Triestine writer and the cultural context in which he lived.
An Intellectual Between Cultural Irredentism and Modernity
Zorzenon highlighted the innovative vision of Scipio Slataper (1888–1915), whose approach stood out in the traditional irredentist landscape due to his promotion of cultural irredentism. This perspective prioritised dialogue between cultures, particularly between the Italian and Slovene communities, transcending nationalist rhetoric and envisioning a city integrated within a multinational and European dimension.
Slataper was a fierce critic of the political and cultural stagnation in Trieste during his time, denouncing its contradictions and urging his fellow citizens to break free from intellectual inertia and become a model of modernity.
In Slataper’s vision, conflict and contradiction were essential tools for understanding and transforming reality. Modernity, as he saw it, was characterised by unresolved tensions between economy and culture, nature and urbanisation, national identities and pluralism—a fertile ground for critical reflection and active engagement.
"My Karst": A Masterpiece Between Autobiography and Modernity
Zorzenon devoted particular attention to “My Karst” (Il mio Carso), Slataper’s most famous work, which represents a masterful synthesis of his inner struggles. This multifaceted text, which defies categorisation within a specific literary genre, combines autobiography, impressionism, and philosophical reflection.
Through “My Karst,” Slataper delves into the relationship between the individual and the modern world, addressing themes of inner conflict and the fragmentation of contemporary life. The work reflects a constant tension between the desire for universal order and the awareness of the irreconcilable contradictions of modernity. As Zorzenon emphasised, it is a text that invites readers to question the meaning of their existence and the role of art in constructing meaning.
The evening concluded with a stimulating reflection on the concept of the classic. Zorzenon reminded the audience that classics, including Slataper’s works, do not offer answers to the present but continue to pose questions that inspire collective consciousness and critical thought.
The event reaffirmed the central role of the association in fostering cultural and historical dialogue, offering attendees an opportunity to rediscover a key figure of modernity and reflect on his intellectual legacy.
