EKUMENA I ETIKA U POSLOVANJU Damir Ljubotina

Guest Damir LjubotinaHosted by Augustin BašićMay 3, 2026

Damir Ljubotina

About this episode

What you'll hear in this conversation

For decades, psychology has sought to understand human behavior, emotions, and relationships. Yet, as Professor Damir Ljubotina observes, it often strayed from the deeper questions of meaning and values, leaving a void that modern psychology is only now beginning to fill. Professor Ljubotina, a long-serving psychology professor at the University of Zagreb, has made it his life's work to bring these fundamental questions back into focus. He explores what it means to be human, not just from a philosophical or theological angle, but from the raw, lived experience of individuals. This conversation will challenge you to consider how the pursuit of meaning and the recognition of human dignity are not just abstract ideals, but essential pillars for mental well-being and a humane future.

Insights from the conversation

What to take from this episode

Psychology's early turn towards experimental methods, moving away from philosophy, left a gap in understanding life's meaning and values. Professor Ljubotina notes that modern humanistic and positive psychology are now actively returning to these questions, suggesting that a purely empirical approach, while valuable, can miss the most fundamental human dimensions.

When Professor Ljubotina asked vulnerable groups—homeless people, asylum seekers, patients—what human dignity meant to them, the core answer was a simple question: 'Do you see a human in me?' This suggests that dignity is not an abstract right, but a felt recognition that, if present, acts as the strongest defense against discrimination and dehumanization.

The common societal measure of success often defaults to material gain, yet Professor Ljubotina points out that at the end of a life, the true measure isn't what one accumulated. It is, instead, the 'trace' one actively chose to leave behind, shifting the focus from passive acquisition to deliberate, impactful creation.

Nicola Tesla, by Professor Ljubotina's account, may not have lived a hedonistically 'happy' life, but his drive to create and change the world exemplifies a different kind of fulfillment. This suggests that true contribution often comes at the expense of conventional ease, prioritizing making an impact over personal comfort.

As artificial intelligence advances and takes over many human tasks, Professor Ljubotina emphasizes that the enduring human domains of art, spirituality, and the capacity for 'ljudskost' (humanity) are what will define our species. This is a call to focus on what makes us uniquely human, rather than letting technology alone shape our future.

Professor Ljubotina frequently asks whether technology's rapid progress and the 'wonders that surround us' ultimately serve profit or human well-being. This is not just a philosophical question, but a practical test of humanity itself: if progress isn't anchored in human flourishing, it risks becoming an end in itself, rather than a means to a better life.

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