Sprezzatura – Well-Rehearsed Naturalness The Italian word ‘sprezzatura’ was first used by Baldassare Castiglione (1478-1529) in ‘The Book of the Courtier’, a classic of Italian Renaissance literature. Castiglione’s aim was to instruct noblemen on proper manners and comportment, all part of cultivating an elegant style while appearing natural and unrehearsed. Many people have made a very good living from their apparent ability to engage … Continued
Getting the world’s adult population to “roll up their sleeves” was never going to be easy. However, real progress has been made around the world. The Global Web Index (GWI), a leading audience targeting consultancy, has been tracking 47 countries currently vaccinating their populations. Their study has revealed that it is the USA, UK, Israel, and … Continued
When John Lennon was asked at school what he wanted to be when he grew up, he said, “happy”. The teacher said, “you don’t understand the question”, to which John replied, “no, you don’t understand the answer!” Sir John Templeton (a highly respected financier, billionaire, and philanthropist) once said, “Happiness comes from spiritual wealth, not … Continued
Welcome to Spring… Perhaps not quite the start we expected, and more like an Attenborough Artic documentary with driving snow and wind chill factors to match. The end of March was also mixed in what Charles Dickens once perfectly described as, “It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold, when it is summer in the light and winter in the shade.” … Continued
2020 pushed the boundaries of “normality” beyond any previous year in our lifetimes. Many initially struggled but found coping mechanisms that helped them through. Some took the opportunity to exercise which over time developed into a disciplined regime and in doing so not only increased their fitness, but allowed them to enjoy a new, healthier lifestyle. Others, especially those isolating, had to contend with limited family contact and personal meetings that were limited … Continued
After a year of the Covid pandemic, and despite massive improvement in medical standards in most countries, the reality is that this has not halted the huge impact of such events. A Timeline of Historical Pandemics Since virtually the dawn of civilisation, disease and illness have brought calamity, fear, and massive loss of life. A few milestones on humanity’s timeline: Widespread community adoption of agrarian farming increased the scale and … Continued
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough” – Mae West “Focus on what you can control and leave what you can’t” is good advice. Health is one of these areas we can influence, but not control. Diet, exercise, and lifestyle can all help maintain our quality of life, and even extend life expectancy. And there is a clear connection between health and wealth. Generally, those … Continued
A recent survey, on behalf of Smith & Williamson Investment Management, highlighted the differences between generations when it comes to ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) investment models. In the older age groups 55% put climate change as their top ESG issue, placing social and governance issues lower down their priority list. When asked what … Continued
Stress, anxiety, and worry are nothing new. But adding the strain of preserving personal and family health, homeworking, home-schooling, and disquiet over employment prospects, simply increases existing pressure. The incessant news-flow has further ramped up existing anxieties with its constant headlines of pandemic statistics, political unrest, racist attitudes, protests, violence, and public distrust of authority. … Continued
Intangible – impossible to touch, to describe exactly, or to give an exact value. I confess. I like American Football. I realise I risk losing some readers here but bear with me. Tom Brady, quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has now won his seventh Superbowl. No-one else has come close to achieving this feat. But what is even more remarkable about this year’s Superbowl win … Continued
