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Dražen Lalić
Episode · #769

EKUMENA I ETIKA U POSLOVANJU Dražen Lalić

Guest Dražen LalićHosted by Augustin BašićMay 3, 2026
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation

The conversation with sociologist and political scientist Dražen Lalić quickly moves beyond business ethics to the enduring questions of human existence: what remains after a person is gone, how conscience is shaped, and where to find meaning. Lalić, a prominent analyst of social processes, shares his perspective on the lasting impact of human spirit, arguing that some individuals "do not disappear; the fruits of their spirit remain." His recent book, "Two Houses Above the Sea," explores family memory and the culture of remembrance, revealing how deeply personal histories can resonate universally. This discussion invites listeners to reflect on their own identities, the lessons from their ancestors, and the continuous search for truth in a complex world.

Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Arsen Dedić's enduring presence in public discourse, years after his death, illustrates Lalić’s point that "if the fruits of the spirit are strong, a person doesn't disappear." True legacy isn't about physical presence, but the lasting impact of one's work and spirit, echoing long after.
02
Lalić's book "Two Houses Above the Sea" began not as a grand societal analysis, but from a personal compulsion, what he calls an "obsession related to family." The most impactful work often stems from deep, personal, long-held obsessions, not just external market demands or representative samples.
03
He initially believed his micro-history of two Dalmatian families would resonate with only a few, but found it reached a much wider audience, including those with different values. Even the most specific, personal narratives can reveal universal truths, connecting deeply with diverse audiences who find their own stories reflected.
04
When asked about his own identity, Lalić layers it: "I am first a Dalmatian, then a Croat, and then a European." Identity isn't a single label but a layered construct, where local roots provide the anchor for broader national and continental affiliations.
05
Lalić directly states that he has not "found the truth," viewing it instead as an ongoing, curiosity-driven inquiry into life's most important questions. The pursuit of truth is a continuous process of questioning and research, accepting that its outcomes are often multifaceted and not neatly conclusive.
06
His book explores how his ancestors and their families reacted to specific traumas in the 1940s, offering messages that are not meant to be universal. Understanding how prior generations navigated hardship offers specific, non-prescriptive lessons that can illuminate present-day challenges.
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