Lorenzo Venturi

I had to think again recently about an experience that took place a long time ago at the Office for the Protection of Historical Monuments in Rome, Italy. I worked there for 40 years as a clerk, but this story happened only once. Fortunately.

Italy has particularly strict monument protection laws. Our country is full of historic buildings that are listed, and selling such houses can lead to complications that make a purchase null and void. I remember vividly one such case. The buyer was an architect with very specific ideas about how he wanted to remodel the house he had purchased.

Unfortunately, his plans did not comply with our laws. When I couldn't give him permission, he showed up at my office one day and punched me in the face. That moment was truly shocking and remains a bit of a trauma to this day. I was 45 then, and despite my years of experience, nothing had prepared me for such a reaction.

Now, at 74, I find it ironic that my own son has become an architect. He often discusses with me the many strict and sometimes absurd laws governing historical monuments. His perspective has made me understand better why buyers sometimes lose their nerve. How nice it is that your own children make you reflect more deeply on your experiences.

Nevertheless, violence is never the solution. The man received a heavy sentence from the court at the time and bitterly regretted his behavior. As much as I now understand the frustration, I still firmly believe that dialogue, not fists, is the way forward.