In a dynamic and technologically advanced world like ours, where distractions pervade our lives, we strongly feel the urgency to discover what truly matters in life. Conflicts and wars that sow violence and death unequivocally confront us with questions that contemporary culture tends to push aside— questions about our destiny and the meaning of suffering. The pursuit of true and lasting happiness cannot be satisfied with illusions and utopias: the artificial constructions of flimsy appearances do not hold up the radical nature of this quest and such questions.

What is essential to be human, to remain human, to become more and more human in the face of atrocities on the global stage, in the face of the challenges of climate change, in the face of technological developments in science, medicine, and daily life, in a world increasingly inundated with data and information and yet less and less able to decipher them?

The question of this Meeting has a personal and social, cultural, and political dimension at the same time: “If we are not after the essence, then what are we after?”. To ask this question is to measure oneself against reality as it presents itself, in all its aspects, none excluded. Taking up this challenge is, therefore, first and foremost an invitation to reflect on the way we educate and allow ourselves to be educated. Do we truly seek to discover the world in its deepest and most foundational meanings, to discover ourselves and our destiny?

Inevitably, this question also opens the vast horizon of our relationships: toward what and where do we look together, and what meaning do we recognize in our relationships? What do we mean when we talk about trust, community, memory, care, peace?

This question is also an invitation to have a deeper look at the way we conceive of work, our daily interactions with the world near and far. The Meeting 2024 aims to share this search for the essential,

for that which allows us to live without censoring anything, in all dimensions of our existence: the desire for good, for beauty, for truth, for justice, for loving and being loved freely and infinitely.

The exhibitions, conferences, and performances, the life and encounters that will happen during the preparation and during the Meeting itself, will be an opportunity to participate in the greatest human adventure: seeking that which gives meaning, perspective, and fulfillment to our truest expectations.

Read the Road to Meeting on the title of Meeting 2024 with the audio interview with Bernhard Scholz