About the book: 1988 / “Divertimento”, rebellious impulses of the mind - this is what you can call the pages on which Cipolla refuses the role of a strict scientist and, balancing on brink of paradox and absurdity, writes two short essays: the first is a cheerful parody of the economic and social history of the Middle Ages, and the second is a kind of general theory of human stupidity. Two small masterpieces of mind games that, with their precious eccentricity and comedy, provide a respite from the turbulent and stressful times in which we live. The collection includes both essays: “The role of spices (and pepper in particular) in the development of the economy of the Middle Ages” and “Basic laws human stupidity”.