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Contrary to the widespread conviction that in hard times a selfish and individualistic approach to life prevails, the Censis Report 2013 on the values of Italians unveiled the return of a definitely altruistic outlook. Apparently the predictable withdrawing into oneself, “every man for himself” style, is gradually replaced by a feeling of renewed interest in and helpfulness to the other.

Subsequently, when asked “how much would you get going…” by doing a certain action, the Italians’ answers seem to turn towards a less self-centred dimension, more noticeably open to the others.

The choice of “…helping people who are in trouble” (29,5 %), for instance, registered almost a double percentage against the more hedonistic option of “…doing something for one’s well being” (16%).

At the same time, self-fulfilment shrinks significantly and leaves room for more social-oriented and shared kinds of behaviour. For example, the opportunity to “…do an important job” (21,4%) proves a less relevant source of satisfaction than the prospects of “…increasing the wellness of one’s family”, circumstances that recorded 46.2% of the assent.