Occidente. Radici, Essenza, Futuro May 2026
Grecchi identifies the current essence of the West as the unrestrained search for profit. This "chrematistic" drive acts as a form of hybris (arrogance/excess) that subordinates human life and culture to market logic.
The book, which includes an introduction and dialogue with philosopher Diego Fusaro , reinterprets Western history not as a triumph of liberalism or technology, but as a tension between humanistic ideals and "anti-humanistic" economic impulses. Occidente. Radici, essenza, futuro
Draft a or formal summary for an academic submission. (PDF) L'umanesimo di Omero - Academia.edu Grecchi identifies the current essence of the West
Provided the ethical and transcendent dimension, emphasizing the dignity of the person and moral responsibility. 2. The Essence (Essenza): Anti-Humanism and Hybris Draft a or formal summary for an academic submission
This paper outlines the core arguments and philosophical structure of Luca Grecchi’s 2009 work, ( The West: Roots, Essence, Future ), published by Il Prato .
Grecchi challenges the contemporary identification of the "West" with liberal-democratic capitalism. By examining the cultural pillars of Western civilization—Greek, Roman, Hebrew, and Christian—he argues that the true "essence" of the modern West is found in its departure from these humanistic roots in favor of crematistica (the unlimited pursuit of wealth). The paper concludes with Grecchi’s assessment of a "dark future" if these roots are not rediscovered.
In the final appendix, Grecchi engages in a dialogue with , further dissecting how the socio-economic context of late capitalism has hollowed out the cultural traditions that once defined Western identity. The work is often cited alongside Grecchi’s other studies on Homer and Aristotle, serving as a contemporary application of his "humanistic-classical" philosophical system. If you would like, I can: