I have an economic background and work in a sector where profit maximization is the core of every reasoning. Ever since my university studies in Economics, I have constantly been conveyed the message of organizing work and resources to achieve maximum profit. However, over time, I have started to feel increasingly constrained by this fundamental rule in my field. The concept of business and work as creators of utility and social well-being has gradually diminished. In recent decades, there has been an excessive emphasis on the idea that companies, as well as our daily activities, should only pursue one direction: profit attainment. This paradigm is imposed on us by contemporary society with its frameworks, deadlines, tight schedules, results to be achieved, and the pursuit of performance. There is always someone or something ready to judge and observe, yet the yardstick remains the same. As time has passed, I have come to realize that there are many other aspects that deserve to be considered and addressed. There is a world of elements that go beyond the mere profit generated, and these aspects should be given due weight regardless of the gain they produce.
Ferrari? No thanks!
In our small Borgo, we probably wouldn’t have accomplished anything if every decision had been made based solely on the question, “How much does it benefit me?” I have been involved in many discussions defending projects, initiatives, and dreams that made most people exclaim, “Well, it doesn’t seem worth it!” Part of the charm of winter in the village is due to the fact that a flame continuously burns in the fireplace, providing a warm, enveloping, and unique ambiance. No heating system, and no new technology can give the same sensation. Thanks to the fire in the fireplace or stove, the environment becomes friendly, welcoming, and relaxed… it becomes family. In front of the fire, perhaps with a good glass of wine, conversations flow freely, and one can dream out loud, exchanging thoughts naturally, while time loses its beats. However, the fire requires one favor, to be fed. It is voracious for firewood, never satisfied! Winter, for me, also means spending days in the woods, preparing firewood for the fireplace for the following year. For those who don’t know, this involves felling trees, perhaps in hard-to-reach areas, transporting them near our homes, cutting them into pieces, splitting the larger logs, and finally stacking them in dry places, ready to warm the upcoming winters or become embers for our barbecues and ovens. It may sound simple, but in reality, it takes many days of hard work, well-maintained equipment, and a great deal of determination.
However, here comes the point. The most frequent observation I receive is, “Well, Elio, it’s not worth it for you!” If you consider all the hours of work, gasoline, and equipment costs, it’s easier to buy ready-made firewood pallets instead of doing it yourself. True! Unfortunately, I am also good at crunching numbers, and it makes me smile. At first, I let it go, but then I started to reflect on it for a long time, doing what comes naturally to me: thinking like an accountant. There are aspects that often go unnoticed: chopping firewood in winter means spending days in nature, without phones, without appointments, without clocks, and engaging in physical activity, which means well-being for the body and mind. Chopping firewood means spending time with friends and family, doing something together, eating in the woods, and helping each other with intense activities. This translates into social connections and strengthening relationships, new ideas, and believe me, lots of laughter. Chopping firewood means cleaning the forest of old, diseased plants, giving them new light, and contributing to their health. In doing so, we contribute to maintaining the health and livability of our territory.
During the work, a stone fell, breaking apart. Magnificent fossils revealed themselves in all their beauty!
The damages caused by a strong winter storm were significant. Fallen trees have blocked the paths leading to “Crist di Paludana,” Valdestali, and the Path of San Cristoforo.
Intense debates arose in an attempt to find the best approach for removing the stump of a sizable tree.
Making firewood means creating a more welcoming and safer environment, thus promoting environmental protection and attracting hikers and tourists. Making firewood means maintaining order in and around residential areas, reducing hydrological risks that can affect the entire territory downstream. I could go on, but let me return to the Economics book and attempt to assign an economic value to these final purposes. To be honest, I couldn’t succeed! The truth is that these values are not easily quantifiable in an economic calculation. They often reflect values, traditions, and a sense of belonging that cannot be captured by cold, hard numbers. There are no formulas, indices, or other abstractions that can fully translate all of this. It involves a great deal of sentiment and passion, but unfortunately, these cannot be included in calculations. There are plenty of other activities that can be part of this kind of thinking, but I’ll leave it up to you to discover them.
Our society, even if with small steps, is rediscovering this set of “intangible” aspects in recent years, especially in the last two. It is a belief that few perceive, but it carries such energy that it can spread forcefully. It is a new but mature vision that captures, in my opinion, the necessary balance. Today, when I encounter someone who says, “But it doesn’t pay off,” I avoid discussions and reasoning and simply offer a smile. I prefer noble thinking over mere calculations! I increasingly prioritize those values to which we struggle to assign a value, but in the end, they give us a much greater return than profit… perhaps, it pays off!
