It’s the things you can’t see or touch: truth, fairness, justice, courage, sharing, compassion, love. Those are the elements of a great life.

The line comes from remarks attributed to Carter during a speech at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, reported in a local newspaper article about his talk on volunteerism and civic contribution. In that setting, he framed “a great person” and “a great life” as being defined by intangible moral qualities rather than material or visible achievements.

The quotation argues that the most meaningful measures of a life well lived are internal virtues and ethical commitments—values that can’t be physically possessed—rather than status, wealth, or other outward markers. It presents these virtues as the core components that make a life admirable and worth sharing with others through service.

“What is a great person? What is a great life?” he asked. “It’s the things you can’t see or touch. Truth, fairness, justice, courage, sharing, compassion, love. Those are the elements of a great life. We have in this country the opportunity to share a great life.”