Paolo, you often mention that Gen Y and Gen Z need to rediscover the joy of simple pleasures, a secret from the past that’s been forgotten. Can you explain what you mean by this and how they can reconnect with these experiences?

This is something I feel deeply passionate about. When I say that Gen Y and Gen Z need to regain and gain the true meaning of simple things done with pleasure, I’m talking about the kind of joy that comes from embracing the basic, everyday experiences that don’t rely on technology, productivity, or constant stimulation. It’s about rediscovering what it means to live slowly, to be present, and to find beauty in the mundane.

Think about it: we live in a world that’s obsessed with speed, with efficiency, with doing everything bigger, faster, and more optimized. We’re bombarded with endless notifications, digital interactions, and the pressure to always be achieving. For Gen Y and Gen Z, life often feels like it’s about chasing the next big thing, the next viral moment, the next hit of dopamine from a like or a new experience. But in all this constant striving, we’ve lost the art of simply enjoying life—of taking pleasure in something as simple as a well-cooked meal, a walk in nature, or a deep conversation without distractions.

What I mean by this is that there’s an underrated richness in the simple things that generations before us understood better. Our grandparents found joy in tending to a garden, in savoring a cup of coffee without a phone in hand, or in fixing something that was broken rather than replacing it. They had a connection to the moment that many of us have lost. And the truth is, those small, slow pleasures are the secret to a fulfilled and balanced life. They ground us. They remind us that life isn’t just about the highlights but about the quiet moments in between.

How do we regain this lost art? It starts with a conscious decision to slow down. It means intentionally putting down your phone and being present. Try to cook a meal from scratch, not for Instagram but for the sheer pleasure of creating something nourishing with your hands. Sit and listen to a favorite song without multitasking. Go for a walk and notice the world around you, the way the leaves move in the wind or how the air feels on your skin. Be curious about your surroundings. Be fully there.

It’s also about embracing rituals. Make rituals out of everyday activities: your morning coffee, journaling before bed, taking time to actually savor your food rather than eating while scrolling on your phone. It’s about bringing a sense of intentionality to everything you do. Instead of thinking about what’s next, immerse yourself in what’s happening now.

And here’s the big one: learn to find pleasure in doing things for the process, not just for the outcome. Garden not for the perfect Instagram post but for the joy of watching something grow. Read a book for the love of the story, not just to cross it off a to-do list. Find satisfaction in activities that don’t have an immediate payoff, that don’t give you instant validation but nourish you in a quieter, deeper way.

Reconnecting with these simple pleasures is about reclaiming your humanity in a world that wants to digitize, optimize, and monetize everything. It’s about remembering that life is not just a series of achievements but a collection of experiences, both big and small. Gen Y and Gen Z have the opportunity to rediscover this wisdom and make it part of their modern lives, to find that balance between innovation and simplicity.

The best secret from the old days? It’s that happiness doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s just about being fully present in a single, beautiful moment, doing something simple, and doing it with genuine pleasure. And that, I believe, is a skill worth cultivating.