Podcast Summary: The Michael Knowles Show Episode: Rules For Life: Michael Speaks with Eduard Habsburg-Lothringen
Release Date: December 1, 2024
Host: Michael Knowles
Guest: Archduke Edward Habsburg, Hungarian Ambassador to the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta

1. Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Michael Knowles Show, host Michael Knowles welcomes Archduke Edward Habsburg, the Hungarian Ambassador to the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta. The conversation centers around Edward's latest book, Building a Wholesome Family in a Broken World, delving into the principles of family life, finding a suitable spouse, and the broader societal implications of strong family units.

2. Overview of "Building a Wholesome Family in a Broken World"

Michael introduces Edward's new book, highlighting its direct approach compared to Edward's first work, The Habsburg Way. The book combines family biography, autobiography, and practical advice aimed at helping individuals navigate the complexities of modern relationships and family building.

Michael Knowles [00:55]:
"Your new book, Building a Wholesome Family in a Broken World, which everyone should stop what they're doing, pull over whatever you're doing, go order it right now. It is superb."

3. Advice on Finding a Spouse and Building a Family

Edward emphasizes traditional methods of relationship building over modern dating apps, advocating for intentional and value-based partnerships. He outlines key criteria for selecting a lifelong partner, stressing the importance of shared faith, readiness for a large family, and personal sacrifices.

Edward Habsburg [04:40]:
"I tell them go about it the old fashioned way... make one big shot for a lifelong, happy, fulfilling marriage."

He introduces a five-point checklist from his book, designed to help individuals assess potential spouses critically.

4. Importance of Faith and Chastity

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the role of faith and chastity in sustaining a meaningful marriage. Edward argues that a shared faith provides a strong foundation for overcoming marital challenges and nurturing a fulfilling family life.

Edward Habsburg [04:40]:
"First criterion, you have to check whether the other person shares your faith... Without faith, I have no clue how somebody would master all the complicated, difficult things that happened during a long life of marriage with children."

He redefines chastity not as abstinence but as sexual relations reserved for marriage, integral to a life aligned with divine principles.

Edward Habsburg [10:31]:
"Chastity is not no sex. Chastity is sex where it belongs. And it belongs to marriage very definitely, but it belongs to marriage with an openness to life."

5. Family Size and Its Societal Impacts

Edward passionately advocates for larger families, positing that numerous children contribute to a more just, merciful, and compassionate society. He contrasts contemporary family norms with historical precedents, suggesting that larger families inherently teach valuable life virtues and strengthen societal bonds.

Edward Habsburg [09:14]:
"I think that is the greatest healing power for our society. For all the complications we have in our dating life, we need families with lots of children just so that people can for once in their life encounter a numerous family."

Michael concurs, noting the benefits of large families in instilling strong values from an early age.

Michael Knowles [09:14]:
"You say in the book that this is the first way to instill family values in the kids is just to have a large family... It's the family as the little society, as the microcosm of all of society."

6. Education: Homeschooling vs. Public Schooling

The conversation transitions to education, where Edward shares his experiences with both public schooling and homeschooling. He advocates for homeschooling as a means to impart family and faith-based values more effectively, cautioning against the influence of public schools that may not align with these principles.

Edward Habsburg [10:31]:
"If you can afford it, that brings your children the values that you have at home, good on you... Don't make the terrible mistake of sending your children off to school and handing over education to a public school."

Michael adds personal observations, noting the social advantages of homeschooled children when they engage with the broader society.

Michael Knowles [13:41]:
"I did happen to run into your daughter on the streets of London one time... you send them to public school, you're going to be socialized. But you think, why would anyone want to be normalized and socialized into our current society today?"

7. Addressing Modern Challenges: Chastity and Educational Choices

Michael raises concerns about maintaining chastity in the face of pervasive hookup culture and early sexualization in schools. Edward acknowledges the challenges but remains optimistic, offering insights from his book on fostering chaste relationships and choosing appropriate educational environments.

Michael Knowles [10:31]:
"How do you deal with chastity or people who have not been chaste on the point of schooling?... Do you send your kids to a public school or to a private school if you can afford it?"

Edward Habsburg [10:31]:
"Through faith, through prayer, through an open communication, before you get engaged, you should speak openly about that."

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, Michael praises Edward's work and the practical wisdom it offers to those seeking to build strong, faith-based families. Edward expresses gratitude for the conversation and his hope that his insights will inspire listeners to take proactive steps in their personal lives.

Michael Knowles [15:27]:
"There are many other beautiful lessons in the book... Building a Wholesome Family in a Broken World by Archduke Edward Habsburg."

Edward Habsburg [15:56]:
"Thank you, thank you, God bless."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Michael Knowles [00:55]:
  "Your new book, Building a Wholesome Family in a Broken World, which everyone should stop what they're doing, pull over whatever you're doing, go order it right now. It is superb."

• Edward Habsburg [04:40]:
  "I tell them go about it the old fashioned way... make one big shot for a lifelong, happy, fulfilling marriage."

• Edward Habsburg [10:31]:
  "Chastity is not no sex. Chastity is sex where it belongs. And it belongs to marriage very definitely, but it belongs to marriage with an openness to life."

• Edward Habsburg [09:14]:
  "I think that is the greatest healing power for our society... you need families with lots of children just so that people can for once in their life encounter a numerous family."

• Michael Knowles [13:41]:
  "You think, why would anyone want to be normalized and socialized into our current society today?"

• Edward Habsburg [15:56]:
  "Thank you, thank you, God bless."

Key Takeaways

1. Traditional Relationship Building: Emphasizes intentional and value-driven partnerships over reliance on dating apps.

2. Faith as Foundation: Shared faith is crucial for sustaining long-term, fulfilling marriages.

3. Advocacy for Large Families: Large families are portrayed as pivotal for societal healing and imparting essential virtues.

4. Educational Choices: Advocates for homeschooling to better instill family and faith-based values, cautioning against public schooling's potential negative influences.

5. Chastity and Modern Challenges: Addresses the importance of chastity within marriage and offers strategies to maintain it amidst contemporary societal pressures.

6. Practical Guidance: Edward's book provides actionable advice and checklists to guide individuals in building strong, wholesome families.

For those interested in exploring these topics further, Building a Wholesome Family in a Broken World by Archduke Edward Habsburg is available on major book platforms.