I think that everybody needs four things in life. Everybody needs

"I think that everybody needs four things in life. Everybody needs something to do regardless of age. Everybody needs someone to love. Everybody needs something to hope for, and, of course, everybody needs someone to believe in." These words from Lou Holtz offer a timeless understanding of what it means to lead a fulfilled life. In this succinct yet powerful statement, Holtz touches on the core aspects of human existence, revealing that regardless of the stage of life, there are four essential elements that keep the spirit alive, vibrant, and purposeful: purpose, love, hope, and belief. These four pillars, when properly nurtured, form the foundation of a life that is not only meaningful but also filled with strength to face the challenges ahead.

In the teachings of the ancients, the idea of purpose and duty was revered. The Greek philosophers spoke often of eudaimonia, or the flourishing life—one that is rich in purpose and virtue. Aristotle believed that a life without purpose is like a ship without a rudder, adrift and lacking direction. This idea holds true in Holtz’s quote: regardless of age, we must all have something to do—a calling, a work, or a duty that provides meaning to our days. Cicero, too, argued that a life dedicated to service—whether to the state or to others—was the highest form of existence. For him, the action of doing was itself a pathway to greatness, as it gave structure and meaning to each moment.

Similarly, the ancients understood that love is not merely an emotion but a powerful force that connects individuals to each other and to something larger than themselves. In Homer's Odyssey, Penelope’s love for Odysseus and his love for her remain the driving forces behind their endurance through trials and separation. Their love gave them hope and strength to survive, not just physically but emotionally, across the long years of separation. Plato also held that love is the force that pushes the soul toward truth and goodness, and in his dialogues, he suggests that love is essential for harmony and purpose in life. In Holtz's words, love is a universal necessity—it binds us to each other, creates a sense of belonging, and gives our lives a deeper, more fulfilling meaning.

Then comes hope—a force that propels us forward even when the road ahead seems unclear. The ancients were no strangers to hardship, yet they knew that hope is what sustains the human spirit. Take the story of Job from the Bible, a man who lost everything but never lost his hope. Despite suffering the deepest trials, he clung to the belief that his circumstances would eventually change, that his endurance would be rewarded. Hope, then, is more than a wish—it is a firm belief that better days are possible, and it is the fuel that drives us to face adversity with resilience. Holtz’s insight into the necessity of hope is rooted in this deep, human conviction that the future holds promise, and it is this belief that keeps us moving forward.

The last pillar, belief, is perhaps the most profound. In ancient societies, belief was not simply a matter of faith in the gods but faith in values, truth, and the goodness of humanity. The Romans believed that one’s duty to the state was intertwined with their belief in the common good—that all actions, no matter how small, contributed to a larger vision. In Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, we see a leader who was not only grounded in his belief in the Stoic philosophy but also in his belief in the potential for human beings to act with virtue. Holtz’s call for someone to believe in resonates with this ancient idea—that we need someone, be it a loved one, a leader, or even a cause, to place our trust and faith in, as belief provides the direction and motivation we need in the darkest times.

Nelson Mandela, too, exemplifies the power of hope, belief, and love. During his years of imprisonment, Mandela held firmly to the belief in a free and just South Africa, a belief that sustained him through years of hardship. His hope for his country’s future, the love he held for his people, and his belief in the potential for change kept him alive, both physically and spiritually. His story is a living testament to the four elements that Holtz speaks of—Mandela’s purpose as a leader, his love for justice, his unwavering hope for freedom, and his belief in the goodness of humanity. These were the cornerstones of his resilience, and it was through them that he not only survived the prison years but ultimately changed the course of history.

The lesson in Holtz’s words is that a fulfilling life requires a balance of these four elements. Purpose, love, hope, and belief are not mere aspirations, but the very forces that give life its richness and meaning. No matter the stage of life, we must continue to cultivate these qualities. When we are young, we are often driven by ambition and the pursuit of success, but as we grow older, we must find new sources of meaning and inspiration—whether through giving, learning, or teaching. The practical action we can take is to nurture these four aspects every day: engage in meaningful work, connect with others through love, stay hopeful in the face of adversity, and believe in something greater than ourselves. It is this balance that will ensure that we do not simply exist, but truly live—fulfilled, grounded, and at peace with the journey.