Monsters of Florence

Yesterday I read The Monster of Florence: A True Story, by Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi.  When I say I read it yesterday, I mean I consumed the entire 328 page book in one day, staying up well into the night to finish it.

It's a real page turner that recounts a series of baffling murders in Florence, Italy, and the remarkably inept police investigations that ensued. In the course of these investigations several completely innocent people ended up in prison, each accused of being the serial killer, only to be released when the real killer struck again. The book makes clear that there was little or no evidence convicting any of these people and that prosecutors simply saw the high profile case as a good way to advance their own careers. The faster they could convict somebody – anybody – of the crime, the faster they would move up the ranks. They do not appear to have been overly scrupulous about the methods used.

Besides career opportunism, there was another motive driving the prosecutors and police. Once they came up with a theory, no matter how far-fetched, they would stick to it to the bitter end. They were utterly unwilling to change their minds, and they regarded any criticism of their position as evidence that the critic himself was covering up for the murderer. In the culture of Italy, to lose face is unthinkable, and an authority figure who had to admit he was wrong would suffer a severe loss of face. Any alternative, including putting innocent people in jail for life, was preferable. And no amount of evidence could possibly persuade a person whose "face" was on the line to back down.

Preston and Spezi  provide a good example of this attitude. Authorities concocted the theory that a doctor who had drowned in a local lake was actually part of a secret society that organized the killings in order to harvest body parts for occult rituals. Needless to say, there was absolutely no evidence supporting the existence of such a society or such rituals. Of course, the absence of evidence simply meant that the society was exceptionally good at covering its tracks!

The trouble was that the official medical examination had ruled accidental drowning as the cause of death. To get around this obstacle, authorities conjectured that someone else's body had been substituted for that of the murdered man. Incredibly, they were able to get permission to exhume the corpse, at which point they discovered that it was indeed the body of the doctor and not a substitute. Did they abandon their theory? Not at all. They simply deduced that the secret society had made a second substitution – digging up the corpse and putting the doctor's remains into the coffin before the remains could be officially exhumed.

In other words, the discovery of the doctor's body in the coffin was taken as evidence that the secret society was even more powerful and wily than originally believed. And this pattern was repeated throughout the investigations. Evidence contrary to the official line of reasoning was either ignored or explained away as having been manufactured by the conspirators to throw the investigators off track. The more exonerating evidence was uncovered, the larger and more nefarious the conspiracy was proven to be! And anyone who questioned these methods was immediately suspected of being part of the conspiracy himself.

Incidentally, the same judge who ordered the exhumation of the drowned man's body also directed the investigation into the murder of Meredith Kercher in Perugia, which resulted in the imprisonment of Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito without a scintilla of evidence against either of them. As before, the judge had come up with an elaborate and totally unsupported theory involving a Satanic ritual to explain the murder, even though the facts of the case pointed to a much simpler story – a break-in gone wrong.

Corruption and fear of losing face are two of the big issues here, but why do the Italian people stand for it and even cheer on the prosecutors who make such transparently ridiculous allegations? Douglas Preston got an answer to this question from an Italian friend after his co-author, Mario Spezi, was himself arrested and jailed on charges of being the Monster (or perhaps aiding and abetting the Monster – the actual charges were never quite clear). Spezi had irritated the authorities by writing articles and participating in TV programs that debunked their cherished theory of the case. The authorities struck back by cobbling together the preposterous story that the veteran journalist must be in on it and intentionally covering for the real killer, and that he may have committed the crimes himself. Worldwide condemnation resulted in Spezi's eventual release, but only after months of incarceration, including one five-day period when he was not even permitted to talk to a lawyer.

Preston fought vigorously for his friend's release, but in the process learned something important about the Italian mindset:

[The Italians] viewed my outrage as naïve and a bit gauche. To be outraged is to be earnest, to be sincere – and to be a dupe. Some Italians were quick to strike the pose of the world-weary cynic who takes nothing at face value and who is far too clever to be taken in by Spezi's and my protestations of innocence.

"Ah!" said Count Niccolo in one of our frequent conversations. "Of course Spezi and you were up to no good at that villa! Dietrologia insisted it be so. Only a naïf would believe that you two journalists went to the villa 'just to have a look.' The police wouldn't have arrested Spezi for no reason! You see, Douglas, an Italian must always appear to be furbo. You don't have an English equivalent for that marvelous word. It means a person who is wily and cunning, who knows which way the wind is blowing, who can fool you but never be fooled himself. Everyone in Italy wants to believe the worst of others so they don't end up looking gullible. Above all, they want to be seen as furbo."

Elsewhere, the count explained the term dietrologia as 

"the idea that the obvious thing cannot be the truth. There is always something hidden behind, dietro. It isn't quite what you Americans call conspiracy theory. Conspiracy theory implies theory, something uncertain, a possibility. The dietrologist  deals only in fact. This is how it really is. Aside from football, dietrologia  is the national sport in Italy. Everyone is an expert at what's really going on, even … how do you Americans say it? … even if they don't know jack shit."

"Why?" I asked.

"Because it gives them a feeling of importance! This importance may only be confined to a small circle of idiotic friends, but at least they are in the know. Potere, power, is that I know what you do not know. Dietrologia is tied to the Italian mentality of power. You must appear to be in the know about all things."

"How does this apply to the Monster investigation?"

"My dear Douglas, it is the very heart of the matter! At all costs, they have to find something behind the apparent reality. There cannot not be something. Why? Because it is not possible that the thing you see is the truth. Nothing is simple, nothing is as it seems. Does it look like a suicide? Yes? Well then it must be murder. Somebody went out for coffee? Aha! He went out for coffee … But what was he really doing?"

Although the count contrasted dietrologia with conspiracy theories, I don't think there is really much difference between them. Most proponents of conspiracy theories do not treat their speculations as "mere theory," but as self-evident fact. Their motivation seems to be just the same as that ascribed to the dietrologists -  a desire to be in the know, to feel smarter than everybody else, and above all, not to be a dupe.

This potent cocktail of furbo, face-saving, and opportunism explains a lot about the Italian justice system. But I think it also provides an explanation for the behavior of at least some militant debunkers of the paranormal. Many of them give the unmistakable impression that their greatest fear is to be fooled, and their greatest pride is that they can see through any deception. They are not taken in by surface appearances; they always dig up the real story, no matter how convoluted and far-fetched. And they cannot be persuaded to change their minds; if evidence is produced that casts doubt on their position, they either ignore it or explain it away. Finally, like the dietrologists, they are deeply cynical about human nature and seem to regard earnestness as a sign of naïveté, an indication that one has been duped. Smart people, they appear to feel, are always in on the con, and are never more than wryly amused by it. 

To be clear, I'm not talking about all skeptics, or even all of the militant ones. But I do think this kind of attitude is pretty widespread in the skeptical community and would be on open display at any skeptical gathering. The methods used by many professional skeptics - sarcasm, ridicule, authoritative-sounding pronouncements unanchored to any facts - are in line with these skeptics' self-image as more clever, more worldly, and more knowledgeable than the rubes and yokels who are readily taken in by sleight of hand, slippery language, and assorted con games. 

It's hard to overestimate the amount of damage this mentality can cause. The damage is obvious in miscarriages of justice (as in the Florence and Perugia cases), and less obvious in other areas, such as controversies over the paranormal and other out-of-the-mainstream subjects. I suppose it all boils down to insecurity, which would explain the desperate desire to save face, the need to appear more knowledgeable than other people, and the thirst for power, which is often sought as a way to compensate for personal inadequacies. 

Overall, it's a sorry picture of the human race - and by no means limited to Italy. Furbo is everywhere ... and it is not our friend.

Comments

[Julie Baxter]

Well said, Michael! You explained that very well - if you don't mind my saying so.

In 'Life and How to Survive It' by the psychiatrist, Robin Skynner, and the comedienne, John Cleese, Robin explains why the optimally psychologically-healthy always appear naive to the, er . . . . . . . . . . not so psychologically healthy. It's a fascinating book and well worth reading if one is interested in the kind of issues you describe here.

[Bruce Siegel]

"Everyone in Italy wants to believe the worst of others so they don't end up looking gullible. Above all, they want to be seen as furbo.""

Interesting post, Michael. What a dark picture it paints of (at least some) Italians. Did you walk away with the impression that they're worse in this regard than other nationalities? Certainly a controversial argument, if that's what the authors are really claiming.

"This potent cocktail of furbo, face-saving, and opportunism explains a lot about the Italian justice system. But I think it also provides an explanation for the behavior of at least some militant debunkers of the paranormal."

Sounds about right!

[Michael Prescott]

The authors do seem to feel that obsession with saving face is more prevalent in Mediterranean countries than in northern countries.

The Italian justice system seems to be seriously flawed, to the point where I would think twice before visiting that country.

[Roger Knights]

MP: they are in the know. Potere, power, is that I know what you do not know.

In The Lonely Crowd, David Riesman called this stance that of "the inside-dopester." He said it was a feature of other-directed (social-approval-seeking) society.

[Bruce Siegel]

Another question for you Michael, since you brought up the case: Based on what you've learned, do you feel confident that Amanda Knox is innocent? Her behavior, at times, has seemed strange. I've watched a documentary or two, and don't know what to think.

[Roger Knights]

For a look at the tragedy of the Italian police system and the country's general mentality (oriented toward personal rather than impersonal goods), see the highly praised mystery novels by Donna Leon, especially this $8 Kindle item, Death in a Strange Country:
http://www.amazon.com/Death-Strange-Country-Commissario-Brunetti-ebook/dp/B0097CWKRS/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1427086659&sr=1-1&keywords=death+in+a+strange+country

[Roger Knights]

"One-upmanship" is a powerful motive, especially among guys, for whom being the top banana is a big deal. The authority on the topic is Stephen Potter, who wrote a book of that title, along with Gamesmanship ("how to win without actually cheating") and Lifesmanship. Those three titles are available in one volume here, used, for under $10. (There are other editions too.) (No Kindle edition yet.)
These are the ultimate in British humor: a play-it-straight pose atop an anarchic reality.
http://www.amazon.com/Three-Upmanship-Practice-Gamesmanship-Lifemanship-One-Upmanship/dp/B000I9RQEG/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1427087620&sr=1-5&keywords=one+upmanship

[Michael Prescott]

"Based on what you've learned, do you feel confident that Amanda Knox is innocent?"

Yes. The whole case against her was cobbled together out of nothing. She's clearly an immature girl whose behavior is odd at times, but I see no reason to think she's guilty of anything more than being a bit ditzy.

[Renzo Barbieri]

Hi Michael, I didn't read that book but I can confirm that the justice system in Italy is just flawed like that. There are countless other examples, one of the most infamous was the case of Enzo Tortora in the 80': http://www.radicalparty.org/content/human-rights-italy-enzo-tortora

[Roger Knights]

This attitude by authorities of refusing to change their minds reminds me of "the right man syndrome." which has been discussed here before.

[Art]

Note to myself.... don't go to Italy. If I want to go out to eat Italian food go to Maggiano's Little Italy. I even have a coupon for $10 off our next meal there. http://www.maggianos.com/ {grin!}

[Kathleen]

Julie, the honest man never thinks anyone lies to him, the dishonest man always thinks everyone's lying to him.

I have to agree about the Amanda Knox case, too. I was appalled watching a documentary about it. Obvious facts were ignored by the police, who's only aim it seemed was to paint her as some kind of satanic witch. Crazy.

[Bruce Siegel]

"Yes. The whole case against her was cobbled together out of nothing."

Thanks, Michael. It's a frightening subject, and "monsters" does seem like the right word to describe these prosecutors.

Of course, we've seen stories about this sort of behavior here in the US, too.

[Julie Baxter]

@Kathleen: "Julie, the honest man never thinks anyone lies to him, the dishonest man always thinks everyone's lying to him."

We see others as we are, not as they are.

[Sleepers]

I'm a child welfare prosecutor handling cases that involve extreme situations of abuse and neglect by parents and other adults (allegedly).

Although it is a very difficult job, some of the most rewarding moments of my career have been the denial and refusal to prosecute cases where I felt my burden of proof was too high and the amount of evidence I had too little. When you rely solely on witness testimony to bring you facts, and all it takes is the stroke of a pen to take action, it presents a tremendous amount of pressure, stress, and obligation. Not to mention I'm working in a very under resourced high crime volume office. The cases where you "just know" something happened, see the intense trauma in the face of the victim, and you know nothing will ever happen (sometimes because Im choosing not to proceed) is a heavy cross to bear...

but a prosecutor's responsibility is deeper than an emotional knee jerk reaction to horrible events. And I wish all of us saw it that way. Our way of life and our Justice system, although it may sound cheesy, is too important to me to take shortcuts. The trial part, for me, is actually the easiest, the decision has already been cast.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is this:

Like the criminal who commits even the most grotesque, most heinous crime; the reasoning, the understanding, the motivation, resonates in all of us - even if it's at some basic reptilian, monstrous level. These Italian prosecutors, even if they are committing some of the worst crimes imaginable, also resonate with me at that level. Even if they are disgracing my entire life's work. It's not excusable, but I understand it.

[Amos Oliver Doyle]

Sleepers, You have my deep respect. -AOD

[James Oeming]

Excellent post, Sleepers. Thank you.

[Matt Rouge]

Very interesting and informative. Thanks!

[Roger Knights]

Tonight, Wednesday, at 10 PM Pacific time (1 AM Eastern), on Coast to Coast AM:

First Half: Roberta Grimes had two experiences of light in childhood that prompted her to major in religion at Smith College and then spend her life studying more than 150 years of abundant and consistent communications from the dead. She'll discuss how quantum physics and research in consciousness provide a detailed picture of what we are, what reality is, and what actually is going on after death.

[James Oeming]

Freebie!

Here's an invitation to a free webinar called "Mediumship 101," sponsored by the Forever Family Foundation.

[Amos Oliver Doyle]

James,
Thanks for the information about the webinar. I see it is April 15th from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend as this is the time I am sprawled-out on the floor trying to get my taxes finished so that I can get the return to the post office before midnight. - AOD

[Lynn]

I agree with you Michael re the Amanda Knox case. There were graphic pictures of the flat after the murder, and a U.S. detective commented on how he evaluates a crime scene on first viewing to assert what took place. He said how it was fairly apparent there was one killer. With her pushed against the wall ( blood on wall) then bled on floor. One set of footprints ( hard not to get prints in blood at scene). And police using same gloves to handle evidence - thus cross contamination especially small amount on bra etc. They would not have gone to court in the U.S. Well written Michael, and so true in all regards. Lyn x.

[Michael Prescott]

Right on cue, there's a new (and welcome) development in the Amanda Knox case:

http://goo.gl/FuDgd

"Italy's highest court overturned the murder conviction against Amanda Knox and her ex-boyfriend Friday, bringing to a definitive end the high-profile case that captivated people on both sides of the Atlantic.... The decision by the supreme Court of Cassation is the final ruling in the case, ending the long legal battle waged by Knox and Italian co-defendant Raffaele Sollecito....

"The supreme Court of Cassation overturned last year's convictions by a Florence appeals court, and declined to order another trial. The decision means the judges, after thoroughly examining the case, concluded that a conviction could not be supported by the evidence."

[Bruce Siegel]

"Right on cue, there's a new (and welcome) development in the Amanda Knox case"

Wow, Michael. I'm impressed by how rapidly they responded to your comments. I hope to have you on my side next time I'm on trial for murder.

[Michael Prescott]

Once again we witness the awesome power of this blog.

[Art]

I just saw on the Daily Mail that Amanda Knox is going to return to Italy to write a book? If this is true I think she is crazy. No way would I go back there if I were her.

"Amanda Knox in line for multi-million compensation payout as she prepares to return to Italy to write a book"

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3016597/Amanda-Knox-return-ITALY-write-book-country-s-legal-cleared-death-Meredith-Kercher.html

[Michael Prescott]

I agree, Art. Knox is crazy to go back. If she gets rearrested, I'll have no sympathy for her.

http://nypost.com/2015/03/29/amanda-knox-may-return-to-italy/

[Kathleen]

This is sort of off-topic, and not proof of an afterlife, but it does suggest something. A woman in Mexico known for feeding stray dogs and general kindness towards others, died, and stray dogs in the area attended her funeral (photos provided). One skeptic noted that the dogs just wanted a cool floor to lie on. But those who worked at the funeral home said there were never any stray dogs around. And they disappeared afterwards. It's not easily explainable. The story and photos can be found at: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/good-news/in-mexico-stray-dogs-crash-animal-lovers-funeral-153209047.html

[Roger Knights]

How">http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2015/04/how-much-italy-owe-amanda-knox">How Much Does Italy Owe Amanda Know? A Lot

Vanity Fair article just out.