What is Nefino's Journey about?

As a professional educator of over a quarter of a century, any new method to assist in learning and the retention of knowledge interests me. When it’s done as effectively and engagingly as this new method, built upon decoding and putting into place a career’s worth of scholarship, it becomes even more so.

This new approach by Giampiero builds upon the secure foundations of Western Classical models while applying modern methods drawn on contemporary understanding of how we, as a species, learn. The result is this approachable and illuminating book that is both a method and an example of how to learn. Enjoy the story and then learn how to use the skills.

Giampiero Bartolini shines a spotlight on contemporary society, unsettling the inertia of the present, of our affect and compassion, that we have become complacently accustomed to; he does this through gentle and generous storytelling, unmasking a utopia that restrains our spirit and its vibrancy.

This story is an invitation to engage our souls – deeply, to reclaim our complexities, our senses, our dreams… an Orwellian tale to revive our consciousness and to heal, in solitude and in community. Both the wordcraft and the dream-like illustrations invite a sensuous journey toward a necessary critical awakening.

Like every fable, this book catches the attention as any tale immediately does with kids: the language is linear, fluid, perfectly clear. Nevertheless, while reading, a profound message is released.

Nefino may embody each one of us, teenagers and adults of the present day, where the evolution of the Internet, the spread of social media and the introduction of Artificial Intelligence are making the various “Nefinos” unable to feel real emotions, dream and develop as human beings.

This fable is therefore awakening everyone’s consciousness, so that we can take control of our real, deep selves rather than risk being controlled by digital progress.

I followed Nefino ‘step by step’ on the Path that leads to the discovery of a world, ‘outside and inside’ oneself, because a person’s maturation passes through experiences, achievements, surprises and relationships: that is, ‘life’, ready to offer its gifts to everyone, provided that its value is appreciated.

And then, in the practice of exercises designed to develop concentration, awareness and, again, self-knowledge: I am referring to the small group set up by Giampiero (a profound connoisseur of philosophies and educational techniques) in which my grandson also participated enthusiastically, demonstrating how much the “expert” who takes care of him is appreciated.

This gem created by Giampiero is the result of his commitment to the search for Truth about himself; there is nothing he proposes that he has not already experienced and explored first-hand. Through this sincere and respectful service in favour of the maturation of those who approach his method, one senses his profound devotion, interest and care for the destiny of humanity. We need people like this… Thank you, Giampiero!

Like Ulysses or Pinocchio, Nefino also embarks on a profound inner journey of discovery and self-knowledge.

Giampiero, an expert on Gurdjieff’s thinking and a scholar of human behaviour, proposes practical exercises to develop emotional education, self-control and the ability to manage social relationships, accompanying the reader on a true journey of emotional education.