Love is the ontological stamp upon all being – Maria Tesa Liuzzo
[Interview of the renowned Italian poet, writer, journalist, translator, and publisher, Maria Tesa Liuzzo — President of the “P. Benintende” Lyric-Drama Association and Editor-in-Chief of the literary magazine “LE MUSE.”]
Interviewed by Jakhongir NOMOZOV | Uzbekistan
— How do you evaluate freedom of expression in literature and art?
— Freedom of expression—the hallmark of a unified humanity—crumbles like snow, casting a shadow of flocked sheep. We must pity the youth: their critical faculties are often weak, even corrupted by inhuman reflections. As sociologist Franco Ferrarotti recently noted, “A people of frantic, over-informed idiots. Schools and society have lost authority; solidarity no longer exists.” Culture should be about sharing and uplifting—not racing for a throne. True poetry embraces the “last,” becoming the voice of emotion, courage, and justice. It embodies the beauty that must be revered, not dismantled. It must be a flower of nations, quenching the thirst for knowledge and standing proud. But reality differs—many lack an artistic spirit, behaving like beasts against nature, deaf, blind, and insensitive to the miracles of light. At the center are death merchants, idol money, exploitation, domination. Violent spiritual deaths multiply—soulless puppets who ignore the sky, stars, flowers, grass—ferocious beasts with dark consciences, hypocritical and diabolical. Their strategy hides in the unseen, where arrogance replaces humility and the dark side thrives. These impotent souls, void of knowledge, compassion, spirituality, justice, and honor, will never taste triumphant wonder. They are driven by envy, birthing vengeance—the only shield for the incapable.
— How do your philosophical views influence your work? What is the relationship between philosophy and literature?
— True truth and coherence flourish in clarity; where clarity fades, sacred elements of genuine writing betray themselves. Massive manipulation fractures society’s intellectual and historical body. Each work is shaped by the author’s conscience—a reflective autopsy of thoughts guided by sensitivity and knowledge. The philosopher, like a scientist of words, probes deeply. The writer dreams, imagines, sometimes borrows, reworks—often from current events, sometimes resulting in sterile phrases born of stress or anger. Too often, we see personal gain where human connection should be.
— How do you distinguish between a writer and a philosopher? How do you balance both roles?
— A philosopher studies life and history’s harsh lessons, akin to a sociologist. Today, writers spring up like mushrooms, lacking the tools for critical thought. Ignorance is nurtured for popularity rather than promoting revolutionary language, authenticity of faith, and genuine freedom.
— How do you view international literary relations? How has Italy’s literary dialogue influenced your work?
— Those with inner treasures transform raw material into beauty. They battle war, repressive laws, emotional coldness, and dogmatic materialism. They even resist spiritual darkness—Ariman blockading Lucifer—symbols of our moral decline.
— What opportunities does literary collaboration create?
— Opportunities today are rare—overshadowed by competition and ulterior motives. I have always walked alone, never needing crutches. I’ve written and published for 54 years, uninterested in superficial contests or commodifying my sacred art. Poetry must shock conscience, resonate with truth, serve faith and hope.
— What is your view on literary awards and recognition?
— To survive, one must be wise—nurturing unknown wisdom while consciousness is still scarce. Though I’ve received many awards, I accepted only those of importance—like the Culture Awards from the Prime Minister’s Office. I even declined ones with monetary value. If you are genuine, fame isn’t necessary—it cheapens your art.
— How have writers’ priorities changed? How might readership evolve?
— Quantity outweighs quality, pushing us into hostility and rivalry. Many lash out at those who express themselves freely and democratically.
— How do literature and poetry impact society beyond the page?
— Even the longest days end. Creative moments can be stopped—but we should build gardens, not walls. Don’t let Hermann Hesse’s prophecy from “The Last Summer of Klingsor” become reality. We live in decadent times. Einstein said: “True value lies in freeing oneself from the self”; Kant warned that excessive self-love is the root of evil. A serene spirit withstands criticism and falsehoods. Freedom lies not in power, but in uniting goodness, justice, and peace. We live in an age of spirit—remain true, unconditioned by circumstance or corruption. The pathological ego must be severed. Beyond fear, a smile and new knowledge in the form of love await. Love is our ontological seal. Zeros must not mistake themselves for heroes. They hide in illusions, unable to distinguish reality from fantasy. Their megalomania and hypocrisy make them dread the light—as bats dread daylight. We forgive children for fearing the dark; the tragedy lies in adults who never outgrow it.
— Why do you often talk about “conscience, truth, and justice”?
— Because these are what help humanity survive spiritually. Today, the word “conscience” is used often, but it no longer lives in reality. Truth has vanished, and lies have become part of society’s bloodstream. We read the great scholars of the past not to learn how they lived, but to remember how they were buried. That is a tragedy. A poet must be the primary guardian of truth.
— Do you see literature as a tool to fight against oppression and social injustice?
— Absolutely. If literature does not awaken the heart, then it is nothing more than paper and ink. A true poet cannot remain silent in the face of oppression. They must live within the people — in their pain, in their joy. Literature carries the weight of life and death, soul and body, darkness and light.
_____________
Jakhongir NOMOZOV Is a young poet and journalist from Uzbekistan. He is also a Member of the Union of Journalists of Azerbaijan and the World Young Turkic Writers Union.
