Revisiting the "Babbione" condition from the 19th century to a contemporary cultural proposal through Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

This article delves into the figure of the "Babbioni" in 19th-century Rome, analyzing an influential intellectual circle that proudly reclaimed a term originally intended as an insult. The historical silence surrounding them is interpreted not as oblivion, but as a sign of deep respect for their chosen discretion and intellectual independence. The study proposes a contemporary reinterpretation of this condition through the use of artificial intelligence, demonstrating how being a "babbione" — often associated with aging and the potential loss of social and professional roles — can evolve into a desirable cultural and social identity, marked by wisdom and influence. This research highlights how AI can serve as a tool to reconstruct and reframe marginalized historical phenomena, bridging past intellectual practices with modern social and cultural discourse.