Universality of the Weak Interactions, Cabibbo theory and where they led us

Abstract: Universality of the weak interactions is reviewed, with special emphasis on the origin of the Cabibbo theory of strange particles beta-decays and its role in the discovery of the unified Electroweak Theory. Achievements and present challenges of the Standard Theory of particles interactions are briefly illustrated. As an homage to Nicola Cabibbo, his leading role in the Roma school of theoretical physics and in the italian science in general is reviewed.