This year’s Symposium by the Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Institute will explore the enduring impact of the traditional Mediterranean lifestyle on health outcomes and longevity.

The event will officially open on Wednesday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. with a keynote lecture by Professor Labros Sidossis, President of the Institute, titled: “Do We Have Free Will? The Illusion of Choices”

The lecture will be conducted in English, and is free and open to the public.

About the Lecture: Do we really have free will? Are we truly free to act as we want—or even to want what we want?

In both modern society and medical science, the dominant narrative assumes individuals have full autonomy in making health-related choices. This view suggests that people make decisions independently, unaffected by external—or more subtly, internal—constraints. Consequently, we are considered entirely responsible for our actions, whether they lead to health, illness, success, or failure.

In this compelling and thought-provoking presentation, Professor Sidossis will challenge this assumption by examining how the idea of free will influences personal relationships, professional behavior, legal responsibility, and public health strategies. He will also explore how biological and psychological factors can limit human choice—and what this means for how we view autonomy and accountability. The lecture invites participants to rethink deeply held beliefs about personal freedom and responsibility, particularly as they relate to health, well-being, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

For more information: medlifestyle.org