Xenophobe's guide to the Italians (New ed.)

La Dolce Vita. The Italians live life to the fullest, and do not feel in the least bit guilty leading a life of leisure and pleasure 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.

This is what life is all about: Italians do not live to work, they work to live.

Achoo Brute? A little truth goes a long way. Italians grow up knowing that they have to be economical with the truth.

All other Italians are, so if they didn't play the game they would be at a serious disadvantage.

They have to fabricate to keep one step ahead. Always look on the bright side of life. Generally speaking, the Italians tend to look on the bright side of life—a positive outlook aptly illustrated by their touching salutation: “May the saddest days of your future be the happiest days of your past.”