Odyssey of the Human Spirit: The Promise of Governance

The Aspen Institute offers its Hurst High School Great Ideas Seminar to high school students valley-wide each year. This seminar, which has taken place over 20 years, is modeled after the Aspen Institute Executive Seminar which has been convening leaders from around the world for over 70 years.

The four-day seminar is dedicated to enhancing leadership, problem solving, and critical thinking skills for high school students living in the Roaring Fork Valley. Students are challenged to think more critically and deeply about their values and ideas, and those that make the good society. Our proven method of text-based dialogue offers participants a neutral forum in which to reflect on timeless human values, pursue common ground, and cultivate a richer understanding of the human condition. Participants emerge from the seminar with a new perspective as they confront the difficult choices of our ever-changing world.

Moderated in traditional Aspen Institute Socratic style by expert moderator, Allyson Breyfogle, students read selections by such authors as Plato; Aristotle; Virginia Woolf; Hobbes; Martin Luther King, Jr.; and others.

A past high school participant wrote, “The experience I had at this seminar is almost indescribable.  This was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I will carry this wisdom and passion for knowledge with me for the rest of my life.  Thank you!”

Schedule*

Monday, October 20 
Session I: What is the good we are seeking?
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 21
Session II: What is within our nature?
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 22
Session III: What do we owe each other?
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 23
Session IV: What do we owe our future?
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.

*Refreshments will be provided each day. Please plan to arrive by 1:45 pm to get settled.

Fee: $175, includes refreshments and all materials

Register here.