Surrounding myself with beautiful women keeps me young.

"Surrounding myself with beautiful women keeps me young." - Hugh Hefner. In these words, Hefner reveals a sentiment that intertwines the desire for youth with the power of beauty. At first glance, this quote may seem rooted in the surface-level pursuits of a man enamored with physical allure. However, upon deeper reflection, it speaks to a timeless truth about the way we are shaped by our surroundings. Beauty, in this case, is not just about the physical form, but a radiance that inspires vitality, energy, and life itself. By surrounding himself with beautiful women, Hefner tapped into the youthful energy they exuded, allowing their presence to revitalize him—reminding him of the vitality of the world and infusing him with a sense of purpose and desire.

Consider the life of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, beauty, and celebration. His entire existence was devoted to revelry, to the indulgence in the pleasures of the world, and in particular, the company of beautiful beings—both human and divine. Dionysus was known for his intoxicating nature, his ability to draw in the youthful exuberance of those around him, making even the old feel new again. His festivals, centered around music, dance, and revelry, brought vitality to those who participated. In a sense, his divine companionship with beautiful beings was a means of preserving the youthful spirit in everyone he encountered, showing that beauty and youth are often intertwined, and in the presence of both, one is reminded of life’s greatest joys.

But Hefner’s words also allude to something deeper: the power of environment in shaping one’s spirit. Surrounding oneself with beauty—whether it is the beauty of people, nature, or art—creates an atmosphere of positivity and vibrancy. The ancient philosophers knew that to remain engaged with life and maintain the spark of youth, one must cultivate an environment that is rich with inspiration and vital energy. By immersing ourselves in beauty, we connect with the eternal life force that courses through the world around us. This was also true for Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic philosopher and emperor, who believed that the mind must be nourished by the beauty and the good in the world. In his Meditations, he reflected on how one’s environment shapes their character, and how we must be vigilant about what we let influence us.

The presence of beautiful women, as Hefner suggests, is not simply a matter of physical attraction, but of the spirit that they embody. Beauty, in its many forms, has the power to rejuvenate and inspire. Think of Helen of Troy, whose beauty launched a thousand ships and stirred the hearts of kings and warriors. But her allure was not merely in her physical appearance; it was the power of her presence, the vibrancy she brought to the world, that changed the course of history. Her beauty was the catalyst for great change, illustrating that beauty has the power to transform, to revive, and to create. In the same way, Hefner’s surroundings of beauty were meant to be a force that rekindled his own vitality, not just in the superficial sense, but in a deeper, more emotional and intellectual manner.

Hefner’s lifestyle was one of indulgence, yes, but it was also one of creating an environment that allowed for the flourishing of the mind, spirit, and soul. He surrounded himself with people who embodied youthfulness, passion, and creativity, and in doing so, he cultivated a life that was continuously enriched by these qualities. He understood that youth is not simply a matter of the body but of the energy we invite into our lives. To remain young, one must remain engaged with the world, seeking out that which sparks the spirit and fires the imagination.

The lesson from Hefner’s words is clear: surround yourself with beauty, with vibrancy, with that which inspires you to live fully. Youth is not something that comes simply with age but is a mindset, a lifestyle. Whether it is through the companionship of others, the pursuit of your passions, or the cultivation of a life rich in positivity and energy, beauty is a force that can revitalize us at any stage of life. It is the reminder that the quality of our environment, both inner and outer, shapes our experience of life.

Thus, the practical advice we can take from Hefner’s words is to curate the people, places, and things that inspire and energize you. Surround yourself with those who lift your spirit, who challenge you to think deeply, who bring joy and liveliness into your days. Embrace beauty in all its forms, and allow it to infuse your life with vitality. As you move through the stages of life, let beauty keep you engaged, let it remind you of life’s boundless possibilities, and let it rejuvenate you, just as it has done for those who have recognized its power throughout history. In the company of beauty, one can always find the youthful spirit that transcends age.