The only things that are really permanent are love, family

Host: The room feels quieter now, as Jack and Jeeny reflect on Jared Kushner’s perspective. There’s a simplicity to his words, but also a profound depth—recognizing that the true, lasting values in life are not the material things we accumulate, but the relationships and connections we build. Jack looks at Jeeny, his tone reflective.

Jeeny: "Jared Kushner once said, 'The only things that are really permanent are love, family, friendship, and that is a lesson. At the end of the day, that's really what it boils down to. The rest of it is just stuff.' It’s such a powerful reminder, isn’t it? In a world that often focuses on material success and accumulation, he’s saying that the real treasures in life are the relationships we have. What do you think he means by that?"

Jack: "I think Kushner is pointing out that lasting value comes from the things that truly matter—love, family, friendship. Those are the foundations of a meaningful life. The rest of it—the material possessions, the titles, the achievements—they’re fleeting. They might bring temporary satisfaction, but they don’t offer the same kind of depth or permanence that our relationships do." He pauses for a moment, his voice softening. "In the end, it’s the connections we make with others that define us, that give our lives meaning, not the stuff we accumulate or the accolades we collect."

Jeeny: "Exactly. I think this quote highlights the idea that, no matter how successful or wealthy we become, we can’t take that stuff with us. What we carry with us are the bonds we’ve formed—the love we’ve given and received, the family we’ve supported, and the friendships we’ve nurtured. Those are the things that remain, that shape who we are and who we become." She smiles gently, as if reflecting on the importance of those relationships. "In a way, it’s a call to focus on the quality of our connections, rather than getting caught up in the accumulation of material things."

Jack: "Yeah, and I think there’s a lot of truth in the idea that when we look back on our lives, we won’t be thinking about how much money we made or the things we bought. We’ll be thinking about the people who were there for us, the love we shared, and the memories we created together." He looks at her, his voice growing more thoughtful. "It’s easy to get distracted by the chase for success, but Kushner’s words remind us that it’s the relationships that give our lives purpose and meaning."

Jeeny: "Absolutely. It’s about recognizing that, in the grand scheme of things, the most important things aren’t things at all. The stuff—the material wealth and possessions—might bring temporary pleasure, but it’s the love, the family, and the friendships that provide real fulfillment. And that’s the lesson. It’s about prioritizing what truly lasts." She smiles, her tone gentle. "I think a lot of people realize this later in life, but it’s something worth remembering earlier. The real treasures are the ones that are intangible."

Jack: "That’s the beauty of this quote. It’s a reminder to keep perspective. When you focus on what really matters—relationships, love, and the bonds you create—the rest of it seems to fall into place. The stuff becomes secondary, and the things that are truly permanent stand out. It’s a call to invest our time and energy into what will endure, not what will fade away." He pauses, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "At the end of the day, it’s those connections that we’ll cherish the most."

Host: The room feels quieter now, the weight of the conversation settling in. Kushner’s words are a simple yet powerful reminder that the real value in life comes not from material wealth or accomplishments, but from the relationships we cultivate. The love we give, the family we cherish, and the friendships we nurture are the things that truly last.

As the evening continues, Jack and Jeeny sit with a renewed sense of clarity—that it is the intangible treasures in life—the moments shared with loved ones—that bring the most lasting fulfillment. The rest of it is just stuff.