Stoic Arts Conference

New for 2026! Modern Stoicism is joining forces with Tufts University to present the inaugural Stoic Arts Conference. Join us to learn more about the relationship between Stoicism and the arts, including:

  • How Stoics appreciate and participate in the arts
  • How artists and musicians throughout history have been inspired by Stoic themes
  • How contemporary Stoics can cultivate wisdom through art creation and appreciation

This conference is perfect for anyone interested in philosophy, the arts, and living a good life!

Conference Details

When: Saturday, April 25, 2026 (9am – 9pm)

Where: Tufts University’s Granoff Music Center, Medford, MA

Cost: Free, but registration is required

Light refreshments will be provided, but attendees are responsible for their own meals, transportation, and lodging.

Some sessions from the event will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person.

Register here.

Conference Program

  • Lecture/performances
    • Musician-writer Sharon Lebell on music and Stoicism
    • Ben Papsun Jazz Duo on the similarities between jazz and philosophy
    • Artist-scholars Megan and Murray McMillan on ephemerality
  • An evening concert of original music performed by Tufts musicians
  • Panel talks
    • Melinda Latour on philosophy and music
    • Christiana Olfert on philosophy and aquascaping
    • Karen Duffy and Francis Gasparini and writing and humor
    • Kasey Pierce on Stoicism and illustration
    • Ranjini George on Stoicism, Buddhism and impermanence
  • Workshops
    • Kathryn Koromilas on “Death, memento mori, and creating your own vanitas artwork”
    • Brittany Polat on writing your own meditations
    • Phil Yanov leading a group discussion on Stoicism and the arts

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Stoics allowed to enjoy art? What kinds of art would a Stoic participate in?

A: Given their reputation for austerity and their single-minded focus on virtue, you might think ancient Stoics disapproved of the arts. But you would be wrong. Unlike Plato (who suggested banning poets) or Epicurus (who withdrew from society altogether), ancient Stoics defended the place of the arts in a flourishing society and for flourishing individuals. They saw art as a preferred indifferent: something that does not determine our happiness but which humans naturally prefer.

The ancient Stoics considered art, music, and literature to be ‘habitudes of the wise’—pursuits that contribute to the cultivation of good character or the realization of philosophical ideals. These activities do not produce happiness in themselves, out they are eligible to become part of a happy life when applied appropriately. The arts certainly have a place in the good life.

The Stoics even believed the arts can help cultivate virtue. For Stoics, our sense perceptions are the foundation of our understanding of the world. We take in information through our senses and interpret them based on our values and beliefs. Since the arts produce a heightened sensory experience, they can be a potent source of moral guidance.

Q: Can Stoicism help us appreciate art and beauty?

A: Absolutely. The ancient Stoics believed that the fine arts (music, visual arts, literature, etc.) have an important place in a well-lived life. Art can help us understand difficult truths such as impermanence and death, allowing us to cultivate the virtues needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Stoicism grapples with the realities of impermanence and underscores the essential role of resiliency in navigating life’s uncertainties. For the Stoics, all external conditions—wealth, status, relationships, even life itself—are fleeting and beyond our control. Acknowledging this transience is not a call to despair, but an invitation to cultivate clarity and perspective, making the most of the present moment while preparing for the future. Stoicism redirects attention toward what endures: the development of character through reason and virtue.

In celebration of the beauty of impermanence, we invite scholars, artists, musicians, writers, and thinkers who are inspired by Stoicism to join us at the Stoic Arts conference. This is the first event in modern times to bring together a wide range of scholars and performers around the theme of Stoic arts. I look forward to seeing you there!