Press Releases
October 4, 2007
University of Denver to focus on "The Pursuit of Happiness"
DENVER—The University of Denver Bridges to the Future lecture series—which is free and open to the public—will focus on "The Pursuit of Happiness" in its sixth year of programming beginning later this month. Guest speakers will turn their attention to how we pursue happiness in the midst of tough on-going issues, like war and pollution.
Despite a world-view that can seem dismal, psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists and theologians are making human happiness the focus of their research. The reason is not academic, they say; our survival may depend upon the answers derived.
Bridges to the Future was created in 2002 by the University of Denver as a way engage Coloradans in an exploration of American history, values and expectations in a post-9/11 world. Throughout the 2007–08 academic year, DU will host three speakers to examine the topic.
The series begins Oct. 23 with DU hosting internationally known political theorist Benjamin Barber. His speech, NOT FOR SALE! Why consumers can't buy happiness, and how citizens can, focuses on what he feels is the root of happiness, not the pursuit of materialism.
Barber is a professor of civil society at the University of Maryland as well as president and director of the international non-government organization CivWorld.
Best-selling author, architect and cultural visionary Sarah Susanka will speak Jan. 15. Her "build better, not bigger" approach to residential design has been embraced across the country. Susanka's "Not So Big" movement is evolving beyond habitation and how we inhabit our lives.
All of the lectures are held at the Gates Concert Hall at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Denver. The events are free and open to the public, but reservations are required. To reserve a seat, call 303-871-2357 or log onto www.du.edu/bridges. The spring event will be announced later this fall.
