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Today we have a special episode. America is turning 250 years old. A monumental occasion for most of our supporters.
While I’m very proud to be American and believe it’s the best country in the world, I feel very passionately that America is at a crossroads.
What has gotten us to 250 years old is in some ways at risk of death. The only way we make it another 250 is to have a sort of re-founding. This re-founding also happens to be a unique opportunity for us to transform the heart of the culture, of what it means to be American — especially in business and commerce.
As Catholics, we have the fullness of the truth, should we choose to apply it. Meaning, that everything we do — business, sports, life— can be the best possible version of that thing because we have the truth.
But that requires effort and sacrifice.
If anyone knows the meaning and importance of sacrifice, it’s Catholics — who know the sacrifice of Jesus is what gives us hope and confidence in the future.
So let’s be willing to make that sacrifice — for the benefit of our fellow man. That he may know God. That He may join us on this journey to re-found America, on the principles of eternal truth.
So that many years from now, our grandchildren can be living in a world where love of neighbor is a guarantee. Where architecture is beautiful again. Communities are safe. Wholesome dancing and music fill our homes and communities. The poor are cared for. Charity and patience are the standard in business. Human flourishing is the motive of every business owner.
In short, where God reigns in the hearts of all men of our Nation.
Will you do your part to build this future?
God Bless & Happy Building!
~Silas Mähner
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Select Quotes:
“The next two hundred and fifty years are not guaranteed.” - Silas Mähner
“Work is in service of of the family.” - Silas Mähner
“My point in all this is that I think even if you're just running a secular business, you should be unabashed about your faith. You don't have to be necessarily preaching the gospel. But I would say you should have a crucifix in your building. You should have some some Catholic imagery potentially. You should be very unabashed about upholding virtue as a core component of your your work culture.” - Silas Mähner
“We are asked to use these assets and to manage them in a way that helps make them fruitful through our actions and then uses that fruit to benefit those who are less fortunate.” - Silas Mähner
“We have a future in front of us that can either be very good or very, very negative, right? And I think we're kind of as a country specifically really toying with what exactly we want that future to be. And I think some people are very oblivious to the fact that going headlong into an AI future could be negative if not managed properly. unfortunately there's many technologists and financiers of our time who who don't see that.” - Silas Mähner
“It becomes inevitable at some point that you have to start start a business and and do something.” - Silas Mähner
“And we as Catholic entrepreneurs and business owners, we have a very large role to play in deciding that future.”- Silas Mähner
“Let us live our lives in a way that when we reach the end of our lives, God will say to us, Well done, good and faithful steward.” - Silas Mähner
Key Moments: (outline)
(00:04) - Intro: Reflecting on the milestone of America 250 and the uncertain future of the nation.
(00:46) - The Core Challenge: Discussing the breakdown of the family as the primary issue in modern society.
(03:07) - The Entrepreneur’s Role: The unique ability of business owners to prioritize human flourishing over profit-seeking.
(04:06) - A Well-Ordered Life: Defining the hierarchy of needs: God, family, and then work.
(05:15) - Intentionality: Emphasizing that our current calling and circumstances are by design, not accident.
(07:23) - Strategy 1: Put God First: The necessity of living out faith through daily actions and business culture.
(09:34) - Strategy 2: Be Pro-Family: Implementing family-first policies and wages in business.
(11:34) - Strategy 3: Build Community: Practical ways to build community in neighborhoods and parishes.
(14:55) - Strategy 4: Civic Engagement: How business owners can leverage their networks to influence local politics.
(17:15) - The Parable of the Stewards: Re-framing the entrepreneurial mindset from ownership to stewardship.
(20:53) - Outro: Closing reflections on living as faithful stewards of the nation.
