When push comes to shove, it ain't the science that's going to

In the great and often turbulent journey of life, there are moments when the foundation of our being is tested, when the hardships and challenges we face seem insurmountable. In those times, as Kirstie Alley wisely declares, "When push comes to shove, it ain't the science that's going to lift you up - it's the belief, the spiritual side of life, that's going to lift you up, no matter what religion you are." This profound statement speaks to the deepest truths of human existence—that belief and spirituality are the forces that carry us through the darkest moments, far beyond the limits of intellectual understanding or material solutions. The spiritual side of life is the true source of strength, resilience, and hope.

From the earliest days of human existence, the spiritual realm has been a guiding light, a wellspring of courage and purpose in the face of adversity. Ancient philosophers, from Socrates to Aristotle, knew that the pursuit of wisdom was not just a matter of intellectual rigor but of nurturing the soul. They believed that true peace and strength came from a deep connection with something greater than the material world, something that could not be measured by the tools of science. Socrates himself spoke often of the need to connect with the divine through knowledge, but also through the cultivation of inner virtue, suggesting that a person’s true worth was found not in their understanding of the world, but in their spiritual alignment with the greater good.

Consider the great leaders of history, who, in the face of overwhelming odds, did not rely solely on intellect or material power, but drew their strength from their faith. Take Winston Churchill, who, during the darkest days of World War II, faced a seemingly unstoppable force in Nazi Germany. While his strategic mind was key, it was his unshakeable belief in victory, his spiritual fortitude, and his confidence in a higher purpose that inspired his people to endure. In his speeches, Churchill often spoke of faith and the importance of moral conviction. It was not merely the tools of war, nor the strength of his intellect, but his deep sense of belief that buoyed the spirits of a nation on the brink of despair.

Similarly, Nelson Mandela’s long struggle against apartheid was not won through the mere application of logic or the force of military might. His fight was sustained by his spirituality, his belief in justice, and his unwavering commitment to human dignity. Imprisoned for decades, Mandela’s belief in a higher cause, in the righteousness of his people’s struggle, gave him the strength to endure the unimaginable. It was his faith—not just in politics or strategy, but in the divine nature of human equality—that ultimately led him to victory. His spiritual resilience, born from a deep inner belief, lifted him, and by extension, a nation, toward freedom.

In our own lives, science and reason have their place, as they help us navigate the material world, solve problems, and understand the natural universe. But Alley reminds us that in the hardest times, when push comes to shove, it is belief that gives us the strength to rise above. When we face loss, pain, and suffering, it is not always the logic of science that will comfort us, but the assurance that there is something greater than ourselves, something divine that supports us through our trials. Spirituality is not bound by the constraints of reason, for it transcends the material and touches the eternal. Whether through prayer, meditation, or simply holding onto the hope of a higher purpose, it is this spiritual connection that provides the true strength in times of difficulty.

This truth is captured in the story of Viktor Frankl, the Jewish psychiatrist who survived the horrors of Nazi concentration camps. Frankl’s greatest discovery, which he shared in his seminal work, Man’s Search for Meaning, was that those who survived the darkest circumstances were not necessarily the strongest or most intelligent, but those who maintained a sense of belief—a spiritual connection to something greater than their immediate suffering. Frankl himself found purpose in his suffering by drawing on his belief in the human capacity for resilience and the meaning of life, even in the most horrific conditions. His spirituality was the lifeline that allowed him to survive and later guide others in finding meaning in their own lives.

The lesson Alley imparts is clear: in the journey of life, it is not the tools of science or reason that will carry us through when faced with life’s harshest challenges. Rather, it is belief—the deep, unwavering connection to something higher—that will lift us up. Whether through faith, spirituality, or a belief in the inherent good of humanity, it is these intangible forces that provide the strength to endure, to rise, and to find meaning in the face of suffering. Spirituality is not confined to any single religion, but is a universal force that transcends divisions and connects all people to the greater whole of existence.

In our own lives, let us recognize the importance of belief and spiritual strength. When faced with difficulty, let us remember that while reason and intellect are valuable, it is our faith, our spirituality, and our belief in something greater than ourselves that will truly guide us through. Let us strive to cultivate this connection to the divine, to hold fast to the spiritual truths that provide peace in the storm, and to pass these lessons onto others. For in the end, it is belief that sustains us, that lifts us when we falter, and that gives our lives true meaning.