New Acropolis Graz became a meeting place for anyone who wanted to rediscover practical life philosophy. Under the title ‘PHILOSOPHICAL LIFE:ART’, 60 participants came together to immerse themselves in three paths that lead to a common goal: more joy, strength and meaning in everyday life.

District Mayor Valentin Gritsch opened the evening with inspiring words of welcome, and the introduction emphasised how necessary it is to have spaces where people can pause, reflect and gain new perspectives.

Three workshops each offered their own approaches to the question of how the art of living can be achieved today.

The workshop ‘Joy of the Mind – Friendship and Freedom from Worry’ focused on the Epicurean attitude: friendship as a source of strength, clarity as a prerequisite for inner peace, and the liberating effect of consciously chosen simplicity.

In parallel, the Stoic theme ‘Discipline and Strength – The Art of Mastering Time and Self’ explored how self-leadership, clear priorities and a focused view of the essentials lead to greater inner stability.

Another focus was on the Japanese philosophy of life. Under the heading ‘The art of letting go – meaning, silence and the present moment’, participants discovered how letting go and mindfulness can create new orientation and highlight what is essential.

This created a multifaceted space for resonance in which three philosophical traditions coexisted – each with its own invitation to make one’s life more conscious, easier and more meaningful.

During the subsequent buffet, open discussions and a lively philosophy pub quiz, it became clear that the art of living is not a theory – it lives where people think, laugh and try new things together.