BROADCASTS.com

In a culture where autonomy is often pursued as an ideal, it\u2019s not surprising to learn that America is also experiencing a so-called loneliness epidemic. Together with loneliness, depression is also on the rise\u2014a correlation that makes sense, given man\u2019s nature as a social animal.

What is the solution to these problems? While there is perhaps no panacea, there is a particularly important starting point: the intergenerational family.\xa0

This week, we explore the idea of \u201cintergenerational human flourishing\u201d with Fr. Robert Gahl, long-time professor at the Pontifical University of Santa Croce in Rome, Italy, who was recently appointed Associate Professor in the Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America.\xa0

In this episode, Fr. Bob weaves research from several disciplines\u2014sociology, philosophy, theology, and neuroscience\u2014together with his own personal and pastoral experience. All the data point to the same fact: if they are to flourish, our sons need to know themselves to be part of a bigger story which includes relationships with parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents. Such strong intergenerationality will give our boys a sense that life is a total gift.\xa0

Our job as educators, then, is to free young people from an individualistic solipsism, in part by helping them discover the role they are created to play in an intergenerational ecosystem.

Chapters\xa0

• 3:30 Introduction: intergenerational human flourishing

• 4:55 Human flourishing

• 10:15 Intergenerationality\xa0

• 12:45 Protagonists of a story\xa0

• 17:30 The role of grandparents\xa0

• 22:30 Family in different cultures

• 27:05 Attachment and independence in the home

• 31:15 Cause for hope\xa0

• 37:15 Heroism transmitted in the home

• 42:15 Fr. Bob\u2019s work at the Busch School\xa0

Mentioned in the episode\xa0

The Human Flourishing Program, directed by Tyler VanderWeele

Jesus of Nazareth, Pope Benedict XVI

Master of Science in Ecclesial Administration and Management at the Busch School of Business

Also from the Forum\xa0

Shaping Your Son\u2019s Moral Imagination with Alvaro de Vicente\xa0