Publishing for the Common Good
“Through the power of words and ideas, we build bridges between tradition and innovation, nurturing a future where education serves the common good and leadership inspires collective well-being.”
Welcome to Bene Comune Press
At Bene Comune Press, our mission is simple yet profound: to inspire and deepen our collective awareness for a better, more just world through the power of critical education. Rooted in the values of the “common good,” Bene Comune (Italian for “Common Good”) embodies a commitment to the flourishing of all people, guiding our publications toward educating the next generation of leaders.
A Bridge Between Traditions: San Francisco and Cortona
Our name evokes “Pace e Bene” (Peace and Good), the beloved greeting of Saint Francis of Assisi, and reflects the deep connection between his spiritual journey and the places that shaped him. Among these, Cortona holds a special significance. Nestled between Assisi, his birthplace, and the Sanctuary of La Verna, Cortona was a favorite retreat for Saint Francis. It was here, at Le Celle of Cortona, that he found a place for meditation, healing, and reflection. Under the guidance of Fra Elia, Saint Francis deepened his spiritual learning and nurtured his soul in this sacred space.
Just as Cortona served as a middle point in Saint Francis’s life, connecting Assisi and La Verna, Bene Comune bridges the peaceful, contemplative values of Assisi with the innovative spirit of San Francisco. Our publications draw from this rich heritage of compassion, simplicity, and care for the marginalized, merging these timeless ideals with San Francisco’s creativity, diversity, and commitment to social change. Together, these traditions shape our vision for publishing that nourishes the mind, heart, and spirit, all in service of the common good.
Educating for the Common Good and a Better Future
Our publications carry forward the timeless mission to educate for the common good, working to build a better world for future generations of leaders. We feature lessons and values from educators like Don Lorenzo Milani, whose groundbreaking work in Florence and Barbiana revolutionized education by fostering critical thinking and inclusion. Milani opened the eyes of his students to new opportunities, empowering them to become thoughtful, critical agents of change.
A Catalyst for Empathy, Equity, and Sustainability
At Bene Comune Press, each book, article, and resource serves as a catalyst for developing leaders who will champion a fair, sustainable, and humane future. We invite you to explore our publications and join us in the journey toward building a world shaped by empathy, equity, and the common good.
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
This phrase, attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi, reflects his humble and determined approach to making meaningful change in the world, beginning with small, essential actions and trusting that they will lead to greater impact.
We are inspired by the impactful leadership of figures like Saint Francis of Assisi and Don Lorenzo Milani. Through the reflections and insights shared in Bene Comune Press publications, we hope to inspire you to bring these values into your own life and leadership, empowering you to lead with purpose and for the common good.
One of Don Lorenzo Milani’s most inspiring phrases is:
“I care.”
“I care” was the motto he promoted at the Barbiana school, representing a commitment to social responsibility and active engagement with the world.
This simple yet powerful phrase encapsulates Milani’s dedication to empathy, inclusion, and the belief that every individual has a responsibility to care for and improve society.
Two Bridges connected
Bene Comune Press is rooted in two globally influential cities: Florence, Tuscany (Italy), and San Francisco, California (USA). Its mission embodies the symbolic connection between these historic cities, each represented by iconic bridges—the Ponte Vecchio and the Golden Gate Bridge. These bridges are more than just architectural landmarks; they serve as powerful metaphors for the exchange of ideas and values that transcend time. The vibrant legacy of Florence, a cradle of innovation and artistic flourishing during the Renaissance, reverberates in San Francisco, now a hub of technological innovation and social progress in the Bay Area. Together, these “bridges” from Renaissance thought to contemporary tech-driven renewal form the cornerstone of Bene Comune Press’ mission: nurturing ecosystems of renewal, shared prosperity, and critical awareness for a more just and connected world. Through its publications, Bene Comune Press seeks to inspire future generations to bridge the past and future, fostering transformative change for the common good.
“We give ourselves the form that we choose… the seeds we sow will grow into the destiny we cultivate.”
— Giovanni Pico della Mirandola (Florence, Renaissance Humanist)
“The end of all education should surely be service to others… Education is only worth its value in how it improves the lives of those around us.”
— César Chávez (San Francisco, Social Justice Leader)
Join us at Bene Comune Press as we cultivate a world where education ignites change, empathy fuels leadership, and the common good inspires us all to build a brighter future together.