Overview
The discussion explores the nature of meaning in life, the recognition of objective values, and the importance of aligning oneself with the highest good (summum bonum). Bishop Robert Barron and Brandon Vogt examine cultural trends, survey data, and philosophical perspectives to address meaning, fulfillment, and practical advice for those struggling to find purpose.
The Nature of Meaning and Objective Values
- Meaning is defined as being in a purposive relationship to a value, especially the highest value, the summum bonum.
- Education and formation aim to help individuals recognize and hierarchically order objective values.
- True fulfillment is found in aligning oneself to transcendent, objective goods rather than self-invented or internal values.
- A religiously meaningful life is seen as being oriented toward the supreme good, identified as God.
The Crisis of Meaning in Contemporary Culture
- There is widespread discussion of a "meaning crisis," evidenced by rising rates of depression, addiction, and suicide.
- Historically, happiness was widely linked to a relationship with a transcendent good or God.
- Modern Western culture often promotes finding meaning within oneself, but this approach is critiqued as inadequate.
The Role of Family and Other Values
- Polls indicate that most people find meaning in family and relationships, which are recognized as great but not ultimate goods.
- Family, patriotism, and other values, while important, point toward even higher goods.
- The Bible and philosophical tradition encourage ordered ascent from lesser to ultimate values.
Survey Data: Public Attitudes Toward Meaning
- LifeWay poll: 81% of Americans believe in an ultimate purpose and plan for each life, despite declining religious affiliation.
- Pew survey: Across all countries, family is cited as the top source of meaning.
- These findings highlight the recognition of objective values but also reveal a disconnect between belief in purpose and belief in a planner.
Practical Advice for Finding Meaning
- To those struggling with meaninglessness, the advice is to perform simple acts of love and attend to objective goods (e.g., observing nature).
- Engaging with real, external goods helps break the cycle of self-preoccupation and opens one to greater meaning.
The Nature of Evil and the Desire for Good
- Every act of the will, even evil acts, is motivated by some apparent good, according to Aquinas.
- People can be mistaken about what is truly good, but the inherent orientation toward the good remains.
- Recognition of this structure in the will allows for a glimmer of hope and the presence of divine traces even in evil actions.
Recommendations / Advice
- Perform acts of love for others to step outside of self-centeredness.
- Attend to objective goods in the world as a way to rediscover purpose and meaning.
Decisions
- Promote the latest issue of the Evangelization and Culture Journal as part of Word on Fire Institute membership.