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This March, twenty-three high school students from across the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado came together for a transformative academic experience at the Aspen Institute. As part of the Hurst Great Ideas Seminar, students spent four days immersed in deep discussion, critical thinking, and the exploration of big philosophical questions.

Hosted by the Institute’s Community Programs, this year’s seminar—“A Reverence for Life and the Pursuit of Freedom: Independence and Responsibility”—welcomed participants from Aspen, Basalt, Roaring Fork, and Glenwood Springs high schools. The program was fully enrolled and stood out for the group’s intellectual curiosity, thoughtful engagement, and openness to diverse perspectives.

A Week of Big Questions

The experience began with an exploration of surrealist art—Autumn Story by José Roosevelt—before moving into works by Plato and Maya Angelou. These discussions laid the foundation for examining themes of independence, identity, and moral responsibility.

On the second day, students turned to the Declaration of Independence, connecting its principles to modern questions about civic responsibility and personal freedom. A campus tour also introduced participants to the Aspen Institute’s global mission and influence.

Midweek, the seminar expanded its scope through an international collaboration with Aspen Sister Cities. Twelve visiting students from Garmisch, Germany joined discussions centered on Albert Schweitzer’s “The Four Ideals of Civilization” and works by Bauhaus artist Herbert Bayer, the Bauhaus master who created the design aesthetic of the Aspen Institute by creating the architecture, earthworks, sculptures, tapestry, and fine art that serves the mission of the Institute on its 40-acre Aspen, Colorado campus. The exchange fostered cross-cultural dialogue and highlighted shared intellectual traditions.

Led by moderator Allyson Breyfogle alongside Peter Waanders, President and CEO of Anderson Ranch Arts Center, the seminar challenged students to grapple with enduring ideas across disciplines.

Transformative Student Experiences

For many students, the seminar was more than an academic exercise—it was a deeply personal and transformative experience.
Participants reflected on the power of open dialogue and the opportunity to engage with differing viewpoints in a respectful environment.

Students consistently highlighted the seminar’s emphasis on critical thinking, civil discourse, and intellectual exploration as key takeaways.

As Cristal Logan, Vice President of Aspen Community Programs and Engagement, explained, these seminars invite students into “a centuries-long conversation about what it means to be human”—encouraging them not only to learn, but to question, reflect, and find their own voice.

Looking Ahead

The seminar concluded with a forward-looking discussion: What does freedom look like in the future? For many participants, the experience sparked a renewed sense of purpose and optimism.
Programs like the Hurst Great Ideas Seminar continue to provide a rare and valuable space for young people to engage deeply with ideas, each other, and the broader world.

About Aspen Institute Community Programs

Since its founding in 1950, the Aspen Institute has worked to advance a free, just, and equitable society by convening leaders, fostering dialogue, and inspiring action. Its Community Programs are central to this mission, offering opportunities for both teens and adults to engage in thoughtful, text-based discussions on critical social, cultural, and civic issues.
In Aspen, these programs play a vital role in strengthening community connection, encouraging lifelong learning, and cultivating informed, engaged citizens.
Signature offerings include:
• McCloskey Speaker Series
• Hurst Lecture Series
• Murdock Mind, Body, Spirit Series
• Great Books Discussion Series
• Our Society Reimagined
• Sharing Shakespeare
• Teen Socrates
• Edlis-Neeson Great Decisions Series
• Hurst Student Seminars
• Advancing Women’s Health Series
Through these initiatives, the Aspen Institute continues to empower individuals—especially young people—to think deeply, engage respectfully, and lead thoughtfully in an increasingly complex world.