Description
Sharon Lebell Keynote: Stoicism, Duty, Art, and the Power of This Moment
During the closing keynote, author and musician Sharon Lebell explored the link between Stoic practice and artistic improvisation, arguing that inner freedom comes from controlling our present-moment reactions.
Using her discovery of the hammer dulcimer as a "decisional instant," she framed Stoic duty as a covenant that integrates our lived and unlived lives through virtue. Reflecting on her own hearing loss, Lebell illustrated how adversity can deepen engagement, ultimately urging attendees to recognize virtue through presence, care, and heeding the "quiet summonses" to act.
This conference was generously funded by the Granoff Music Fund and a Tufts Dean’s Research Fellowship.
00:00 Pre Show Chatter
07:34 Workshop Welcome Back
08:15 Keynote Introduction
13:20 Mic Check And Opening
14:56 Stoicism As Improvisation
18:18 Why We Are Here
20:07 Art And Stoicism Link
22:29 Meet The Instrument
23:37 Origin Story Moment
29:02 Duty And Two Lives
34:03 Inner Captain Practice
36:07 Hearing Loss And Duty
38:26 What Is Your Duty
38:33 Everyday Callings
39:51 Stoic Redemption
44:45 Longing for Home
48:04 Finding Inner Freedom
49:17 Value in the Meeting
51:53 What Virtue Feels Like
58:40 Presence Over Definitions
01:01:15 Reverence and Humility
01:04:04 This Moment Changes Everything
01:06:49 Song and Gratitude
01:11:50 Conference Thanks and Next Steps