What Holds a Civilisation Together?
A Three-Part Seminar with Lord Brian Griffiths
What Holds a Civilisation Together?
• 15–17 September 2026
• 10:30–12:00
Can a free society preserve its institutions once the moral and cultural traditions that gave rise to them begin to disappear?
Free societies depend on more than constitutions, elections and markets. They also require trust, responsibility, moral commitment and institutions capable of transmitting these values across generations.
As many of these foundations appear to be weakening, fundamental questions arise. Why are Western democracies becoming increasingly fragile? What explains the growing dissatisfaction with capitalism? Why do family, community and civic culture matter for political freedom? And what role, if any, has the Christian tradition played in shaping the moral and cultural foundations of free societies?
Over three seminar sessions, Lord Brian Griffiths explores these questions through the interconnected perspectives of politics, economics and society, inviting
participants to examine whether a free civilisation can endure once the moral and cultural traditions that gave rise to it begin to disappear.
Speaker
Lord Brian Griffiths
One of Britain’s leading economists and public intellectuals.
He served as Head of the Prime Minister’s Policy Unit under Margaret Thatcher and later as Vice Chairman of Goldman Sachs International. He is a member of the House of Lords and has written extensively on the relationship between economics, public policy, ethics and Christianity.
Throughout his career he has worked at the intersection of academic thought, political decision-making and international business, bringing together intellectual depth with practical experience at the highest levels of public and economic life.
Why this Seminar ?
IDEA
The Villa Steiner seminars combine conceptual depth with structured conversation and practical reflection. They bring together experienced speakers and a small, engaged group of participants. Rather than offering techniques or recipes, the seminars aim to sharpen judgment and foster thoughtful exchange grounded in real professional experience.
FORMAT
- Three connected seminar sessions
- Interactive discussions
- Conducted in English
- Limited number of participants
- Only in presence at Villa Steiner Academy, Vienna
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
The seminar is designed for university students and young professionals interested in the future of democracy, capitalism and Western civilisation.
No specialist background in economics or political philosophy is required. Curiosity, openness and a willingness to engage seriously with ideas are the only prerequisites.
REGISTRATION
Participation is limited to ensure an intensive seminar atmosphere.
Registration is for the three seminar session.
Participation: € 60
Registration
Seminar "What Holds a Civilisation Together?"
15, 16 and 17 Sep 2026 10.30-12.00
Participation: € 60
