Umberto Galimberti receives Artis Suavitas 2026 Prize

Philosopher and psychoanalyst Umberto Galimberti has been awarded the 2026 Artis Suavitas Prize. He received the ‘Tree of Life’ bronze sculpture, created by Domenico Sepe, from the award's founder, Antonio Larizza.

During the ceremony, Galimberti offered a critique of contemporary society, focusing on the erosion of democracy and the dominance of technology. He argued that the world is increasingly governed by power dynamics rather than democratic rules, noting that global influence is concentrated among a few leaders. He expressed concern regarding the division within Europe, suggesting that while the continent remains a bastion of human rights, it currently exists as a collection of states rather than a unified entity.

Galimberti also addressed the role of education, stating that the failure of schools to foster critical thinking and historical memory contributes to societal instability. He characterized the modern era as one dominated by technology, which he described as a self-functioning system lacking inherent purpose or moral inquiry, leading to a loss of meaning in human life.