Ingredients of the good life ✨

May 15, 2025

The Question of Happiness

From the ancients to our founding fathers to our modern-day achievement-focused culture, the question of what makes us happy continues to perplex. If happiness is defined as simply being in a good mood, the definition may be too shallow to account for purpose, meaning, and virtue. New York Times columnist David Brooks leads a conversation between Harvard cultural historian Sarah Lewis, National Constitution Center CEO Jeffrey Rosen, Yale dean and philosophy professor Tamar Gendler, and New Yorker staff writer Adam Gopnik in exploring questions of the good life, the relationship between our civic and personal lives, and the societal factors that shape joy.

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The 2025 Festival Book Club: May Pick

We’re counting down to June by reading thought-provoking books by some of the brilliant minds speaking at this year’s Festival.

Our May pick is “Miracles and Wonder: The Historical Mystery of Jesus” by National Book Award-winning scholar Elaine Pagels. With detail and nuance, Pagels unearths stories of healing, revelation and resurrection with a keen eye for where gospels about Jesus’ origins contradict. Blending scholarship with spiritual curiosity, “Miracles and Wonders” invites readers to reflect on what it means to seek truth, inspire faith and grapple with the mysteries at the heart of human experience.

Join Us for Festival 2

With Festival 1 sold out, don’t miss your chance to be part of an unforgettable week in Aspen filled with fascinating discussions, meaningful connections and brand-new experiences. This year’s pass includes exciting additions:

An exclusive Fest 2 closing party at a legendary Aspen historical site

Immersive art exhibits around campus

Energizing new morning activities (hint: 🎣 🐎 🌿🧘‍♀️)

Unforgettable meals and cocktails during Evenings at Ideas

Now’s the time to secure your spot. We hope you’ll join us for Festival 2 (June 28 – July 1).

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