Abstract
This chapter provides a theoretical overview of the significance and centrality of the relation between things and individuals. Starting from a discussion of Sigmund Freud’s reflection on happiness in Civilization and its Discontents, the discussion encourages a connection with the world of things and objects that goes beyond ephemerally fetishistic or purely instrumental impulses. Life acquires a sense and a meaning when anchored by a rich and profound relation with things. The emblematic example of potentially meaningful places and lives is provided through an investigation of the category of home as opposed to the house, and that of place as opposed to space.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 2016 The Author(s)
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Bartoloni, P. (2016). Meaningful Places. In: Objects in Italian Life and Culture. Italian and Italian American Studies. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-94875-8_2
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-94875-8_2
Published:
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, New York
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-94874-1
Online ISBN: 978-1-349-94875-8
eBook Packages: Literature, Cultural and Media StudiesLiterature, Cultural and Media Studies (R0)