Browse Alphabetically E-H
E
Earle, Edwin, 1904-1989
Edwin Earle recounts a lesson from a painting instructor at art school and the impact they had on him later in life when coping with his blindness and other adversity.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Vermont, Arts or Entertainment Professions, Banking and Finance Professions, Disability and Illness,
Earle, Genevieve B.
Genevieve B. Earle remembers the surprise of seeing poverty as a child and how she developed a belief in the benefits of a strong government to promote laws and provide for its citizens although she says that can only happen when the people are engaged as active, equal partners in the work of a city.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Women in Politics, Law, & Business, Professions in Social Work, Nonprofit, & Philanthropy, Politics, Law,
Edelman, Maurice, 1911-1975
Maurice Edelman describes his youthful ideal of creating a more just society that prompted him to go into British politics, his eventual disillusionment and cynicism, and the reawakening of his ideal through a visit to the site of Struthof, a former Nazi concentration camp.
Listen to the essay– Themes: British Nationality, Children of Immigrants, Publishing and Writing Professions, Politics, Law, & Government Professions
Ely, Van Horn
Van Horn Ely explains his belief in the goodness of people and his efforts, based on the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments, to be open and honest in all of his interactions with other people.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Business Professions
Epstein, Benjamin R.
Benjamin Epstein describes the faith in people he had as a child and how he lost it after studying abroad in Nazi Germany and how he again regained it after his return to the United States.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Professions in Social Work, Nonprofit, & Philanthropy
Eristoff, Anne
Anne Eristoff does not believe the concept of Hell should be a motivating factor for good behavior but rather believes that incentive should come from wanting to be a part of the natural harmony of the world through goodness, truth and beauty.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Under 30, Children of Immigrants
Evans, Bob, 1924-
Bob Evans explains his belief in the individual and the individual’s responsibility to oneself, to one’s community, and to one’s God, emphasizing the importance of equality, self respect and the Ten Commandments.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Under 30, African Americans, Sports Professions
Evans, Edith, Dame, 1888-1976
Edith Evans describes how she believes that good is stronger than evil, that following Christ’s command to love God and one’s neighbors will bring about a better world, and that fear of war and social chaos can be answered by relying on the power of good to overcome.
Listen to the essay– Themes: 60 and over, British Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions
Evans, Harold
Harold Evans recalls his relationship with Count Bernadotte who was assassinated while a Mediator on a U.N. peace keeping effort, and compares him with President Abraham Lincoln as two men with conviction, faith and integrity and examples of the type of individuals people can look up to to create prosperity and peace in the world for everyone.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Politics, Law, & Government Professions
Everett, John Rutherford, 1918-1992
John R. Everett describe his understanding of the value of dignity and feels that “human dignity” is the birthright of every person and that it is through education that this dignity can be preserved despite the tendency to lose sight of it as one traverses through life.
Listen to the essay– Themes: West Virginia, Educational Professions
F
Fagg, Fred D. (Fred Dow), 1896-1981
Fred Fagg recalls a moment when his life was saved by a handhold at the edge of a cliff and uses this story to explain the importance of his own “spiritual handholds.”
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, Educational Professions
Fairbanks, Douglas, 1909-2000
Douglas Fairbanks describes his father’s resistance to his acting career, and the difficulties starting his political career and how he overcame obstacles through his determination.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, Arts or Entertainment Professions
Farley, Cal, 1895-1967
Cal Farley describes the beliefs that led him to found Boys Ranch: that a boy given a good home with proper meals and clothes will turn into a productive citizen rather than ending up in jail or reform school.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Texas,Crime, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Rehabilitation, Business Professions, Professions in Social Work, Nonprofit, & Philanthro
Farooki, Nazrat
Nazrat Farooki recalls her father’s and grandfather’s constant search for knowledge and how she now shares this passion. She also adds why she believes that learning and understanding can lead to peace and security in the world.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Middle Eastern and North African Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions, Educational Professions
Ferrence, Lillian
Lillian Ferrence describes a moment of spiritual revelation in the sculpture court at the Brooklyn Museum, and her beliefs in God’s tie to beauty, the importance of considering the feelings of others, the use of humor to dispel anxiety, and the brotherhood of humanity.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Alaska, Arts or Entertainment Professions
Fineman, Irving, b. 1893
Irving Fineman reads his poem, “For a Child” and explains why he feels it is a parents duty to create a better world and why to do so one needs science and faith together.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Vermont, Publishing and Writing Professions
Fisher, Annie, 1883-1968
Annie Fisher talks about her experiences growing up in a Jewish family and her belief in equality and the importance of goodness regardless of ones faith.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Connecticut, 60 and over, Jewish Speakers, Educational Professions
Forbes, Alexander, 1882-1965
Dr. Alexander Forbes explains why science and religion are compatible; how science cannot understand everything in the universe; and the need for people and nations to begin cooperating rather than competing.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Massachusetts, 60 and over, Educational Professions, Mathematics and Science Professions
Fowler, Burton P. (Burton Philander), b. 1887
Burton Fowler states that the fundamental principles of his beliefs-God, Jesus Christ, and the brotherhood of humanity-derive from his early years on an upstate New York farm.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, 60 and over, Agriculture and Farming
Fox, Thomas P.
Thomas Fox describes his belief that one is happiest when serving others, and recounts the people in his life who shaped that belief.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Educational Professions, Medical Professions
Frank, Pat, 1907-1964
Pat Frank describes his experiences as a war correspondent with Edward R. Murrow during World War II; explains how his interactions with Germans, Japanese, and Italians give him hope that people share a fundamental humanity; and notes that the chance to watch history unfold is a great opportunity and responsibility, despite the uncertainty of the era.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Florida, War and Civilians, Publishing and Writing Professions, Journalism or Communications Professions
Frederick, J. George (Justus George), 1882-
J. George Frederick uses the analogy of the heart’s cardiovascular system to describe his beliefs in the need to love, to forgive, and to sacrifice for others.
Listen to the essay– Themes: 60 and over, Business Professions, Publishing and Writing Professions
Freeman, Lucy, 1916-2004
Lucy Freeman talks about her mental health and how psychoanalysis and faith helped her to feel good about herself again.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Journalism or Communications Professions
French, Paul Comly, 1903-1960
Paul French remembers the lasting impression his mothers words, “You’ll never be able to fool thyself,” and “Take thy job seriously but never thyself” made on him and the affect these sentiments had on his life to obey his conscience, respect people and help others.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Journalism or Communications Professions
Fry, Margery, 1874-1958
Margery Fry describes her belief in both Schweitzer’s “reverence for life” as well as a “reverence for truth” and how application of these beliefs will lead to the self’s service to the “not-self” (other people).
Listen to the essay– Themes: 60 and over, British Nationality, Crime, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Rehabilitation, Educational Professions, Professions in Socia
Fuess, Claude Moore, 1885-1963
Claude Fuess describes himself as a “long-range optimist” who believes that the majority of today’s boys are full of character and thoughtfulness, despite the newspaper headlines that suggest the moral decline of youth.
Listen to the essay– Themes: 60 and over, Educational Professions, Publishing and Writing Professions
G
Gaither, Gant, 1884-1968
Gant Gaither describes his belief in his responsibility to serve God and others, his love for the underdog, and his responsibility to always do his best.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Kentucky, 60 and over, Medical Professions
Gassner, John, 1903-1967
John Gassner describes his abhorrence of dogma and his belief that humanism is the belief system that can enable humanity to make scientific progress without destroying itself.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Central European Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions, Educational Professions
Gates, Frieda
Frieda Gates discusses how her work as a librarian allows her to help others educate themselves and the importance of tolerance and respect for others views.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – Other, Educational Professions
Gerard, R. W. (Ralph Waldo), 1900-1974
Ralph Waldo Gerard describes his belief in the power of truth to free men from disease, prejudice, and other ills.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Mathematics and Science Professions
Gerschefski, Edwin, 1909-1992
Edwin Gerschefski describes how he realized that both his beliefs and compositional style were really the products of other people’s thoughts, and he recounts how he came to discover and listen to his own voice.
Listen to the essay– Themes: South Carolina, Arts or Entertainment Professions, Educational Professions
Gill, Arthur E.
Arthur Gill describes his belief that children’s dreams are his hope for the creativity, innovation, progress, and peace of the future.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New Mexico, Medical Professions
Glueck, Nelson, 1900-1972
Nelson Glueck recounts an experience in which he tried but failed to out-pedal a rain storm while cycling through the countryside, and describes how this experience helped form his belief that he should never try to run from difficult life circumstances.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Jewish Speakers, Educational Professions, Social Science Professions
Gopalakrishnan, R.
R.Gopalakrishnan describes his awareness, upon coming to America, that the beliefs and dreams of Americans are the same as those of the people of India and that the desire for peace, liberty, brotherhood and cooperation are not limited by national borders.– Themes: Massachusetts, Under 30, Asian or South Pacific nationality, Immigrants/Immigration
Gorthy, Willis C.
Willis Gorthy describes how as a boy he was drawn toward careers that were flashy and important; later in life, he found satisfaction through a career in helping disabled individuals achieve productive lives.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Architecture or Engineering Professions
Gotesky, Rubin, 1906-
Rubin Gotesky relates an experience of feeling part of yet aloof from the universe, and describes his belief that though isolation is an essential part of the self, his actions do matter and can help to change the world.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Georgia, Central European Nationality, Immigrants/Immigration, Educational Professions
Grady, Henry Francis, 1882-1957
Henry Grady describes some of his experiences as a diplomat, particularly during race riots in India between Hindus and Muslims, and explains why to live a good life with dignity one must follow the golden rule and “Love thy Neighbor as thyself”.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, 60 and over, International Travel, Humanitarian Aid, and Diplomacy, Politics, Law, & Government Professions
Graham, Martha
Martha Graham describes her belief that individuals learn through practice: just as learning to dance is achieved through difficult yet rewarding discipline, so life is learned through the process of living.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Arts or Entertainment Professions
Greene, Ward, 1892-1956
Ward Greene charts a timeline of faith through an individual’s lifetime-accepting as a child, intense as a young adult, and uncertain in middle age-and describes his beliefs in simple truths such as the Golden Rule.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New Jersey, Arts or Entertainment Professions, Publishing and Writing Professions, Journalism or Communications Professions
Gregg, Eugene Stuart, 1892-
Eugene Gregg describes his beliefs that persons are responsible to a higher authority and responsible for taking care of others as well as themselves.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Business Professions, Educational Professions
Grenfell, Joyce, 1910-1979
Joyce Grenfell describes her belief that the Universe and God are inherently good which gives her faith and tolerance.– Themes: British Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions
Griffith, Ivor, 1891-1961
Dr. Ivor Griffith describes several people of different faiths which all pray to the same God and imagines them all before St. Peter at the gates of heaven then describes the accounting that will take place and why they will all be judged equally regardless of their faiths or their race.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, , 60 and over, British Nationality, Educational Professions
Gruenberg, Sidonie Matsner, 1881-1974
Sidonie Gruenberg describes her belief in the importance of both family life and productive occupation outside the home, and recounts how she balanced those values in her own life.
Listen to the essay or an edited version with a “This I Believe” book advertisement– Themes: New York – New York City, 60 and over, Western European Nationality, Immigrants/Immigration, Publishing and Writing Professions
Guard, Samuel R., 1889-1966
Samuel Guard tells the story of a young boy becoming an excellent farmer through dedication and faith in himself, a capability that Samuel Guard says lies within everyone.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Kentucky, , 60 and over, Agriculture and Farming, Publishing and Writing Professions
Guérard, Albert Léon, 1880-1959
Albert Guérard describes his beliefs as a blend of old and new ideals that espouse liberty, progress, tolerance, and charity.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, , 60 and over, Western European Nationality, Immigrants/Immigration, Educational Professions
Guthrie, Tyrone, Sir, 1900-1971
Tyrone Guthrie describes his belief that concepts traditionally considered opposites (God vs. the Devil, good vs. evil, success vs. failure, happiness vs. unhappiness) are really points on the same spectrum, and impossible to fully separate.
Listen to the essay– Themes: British Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions
H
Hagen, Uta, 1919-2004
Uta Hagen describes her belief that, despite being threatened and blackmailed, she has been true to herself and her beliefs in art and simple acts that bring pleasure to others.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Western European Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions, Immigrants/Immigration
Hailsham of St. Marylebone, Quintin Hogg, Baron, 1907-2001
Viscount Halisham considers and rejects the idea of materialism and embraces an immaterial universe at the center of which is Jesus Christ who can redeem the suffering and sins of mankind.
Listen to the essay– Themes: British Nationality, Politics, Law, & Government Professions
Hale, Oliver (Oscar Hirschmann)
Mr. and Mrs. Hale, having been married for a long time, talk of the imminent death that will separate them as they age, and inspite of the expected grief they will continue to see life with excitement and wonder, and remind all of the importance to have compassion for everyone.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Publishing and Writing Professions
Hall, Edward T. (Edward Twitchell), 1914-2009
Edward T. Hall describes how he came to believe in the efficacy of prayer.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Other, Educational Professions
Hall, G. Leslie
Leslie Hall explains he secret to staying vibrant; living in the present and not worrying.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Virginia, 60 and over, Business Professions
Ham, Roswell Gray, 1891-1983
Roswell Ham describes being raised by a single mother and the impact she had on his beliefs in beauty.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Massachusetts, 60 and over, Educational Professions
Hamilton, Edith, 1867-1963
Edith Hamilton talks about “spiritual truth” and why faith, not facts, are necessary for understanding it.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, 60 and over, Publishing and Writing Professions
Hamilton, Mary Agnes, 1884-1966
Mary Agnes Hamilton describes her belief in the soul and the bond it creates between fellow human beings, and her belief in absolute values that remain true despite the evils of Nazism and Communism.
Listen to the essay– Themes: 60 and over, British Nationality, Women in Politics, Law, & Business, Politics, Law, & Government Professions, Journalism or Communi
Hammarskjöld, Dag, 1905-1961
Dag Hammarskjöld describes his beliefs in the value of self-sacrifice and service to country and humanity, in the equality of individuals, in the importance of intellectual honesty, and in the rewards of selfless love and duty.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Western European Nationality, International Travel, Humanitarian Aid, and Diplomacy, Politics, Law, & Government Professions
Hampton, Wade B.
Wade Hampton lists his beliefs, some of which are: humility, faith, and respect for others, and the moral order of the universe.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Washington, D.C. – Other, Politics, Law, & Government Professions
Hannah, Joseph V.
Joseph Hannah describes his belief in the dignity of the human personality, and the right of an individual to pursue his or her own fulfillment, including responsibility to others.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Educational Professions
Harris, E. A. Gene
Gene Harris describes his belief that following “natural laws” in one’s daily life will help build a “storm-proof philosophic anchorage.”
Listen to the essay– Also in Texas, Banking and Finance Professions, Journalism or Communications Professions
Harris, Roy, 1898-1979
Roy Harris describes his belief in an intelligent designer, in natural laws, in the limitations of human intelligence and the need for humility, and in the great evil and great good of which humans are capable.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Other, Arts or Entertainment Professions
Harsch, Joseph C. (Joseph Close), 1905-
Joseph describes his beliefs in the value of always moving forward (rather than stagnating) and in the importance of helping others.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Journalism or Communications Professions
Hart, Lawrence
Lawrence Hart describes his beliefs: that the world was intelligently designed, that we have been given brains to combat sin and suffering and the desire to help make the world better, that we are responsible for who we are as much as heredity or environment, that truth will prevail over falsehood, that Christ’s principals are the finest ever taught, that worship services and meditation are essential to understanding life’s meaning, and that life continues after death.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New Jersey, Banking and Finance Professions
Hasso, Signe, 1915-2002
Signe Hasso tells the parable of a painter attempting to create his masterpiece to describe her belief in the importance of refraining from judgement since it is impossible to know and understand the complicated events that bring a person to any moment or place in their life.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Western European Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions
Hauke, E.B.
E. B. Hauke describes how his beliefs were shaped by his experiences as an immigrant trying to achieve a better way of life: as a result, he believes in frugality, wise use of resources, tolerance, kindness, humility, and the brotherhood of humanity.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Minnesota, Western European Nationality, Immigrants/Immigration, Professions in Social Work, Nonprofit, & Philanthropy, Politics, La
Hawk, Bob, 1907-1989
Bob Hawk believes in humility and like Charles Lamb he likes to do good deeds without taking credit. However, he also describes some of the satisfaction he takes from doing good deeds and posits that a little selfishness is not a bad thing when done for the right reasons, what he calls “selfish humility.”
Listen to the essay– Themes: Arts or Entertainment Professions
Haworth, Clarence V., 1875-
C.V. Haworth describes his early faith, doubts, reaffirmation of faith, and decision to pursue teaching as his life’s work rather than his initial career choice in law.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Indiana, 60 and over, Educational Professions
Hayes, Anna Hansen, 1886-1987
Anna Hayes Describes her fear of lightening as a child and the realization that fear is incompatible with faith in God. Anna also explains that faith in people and selflessness can bring the “kingdom of God on earth.”
Listen to the essay– Themes: Idaho, 60 and over, Publishing and Writing Professions
Haynes, George Edmund, 1880-1960
George Haynes describes his beliefs in the equal potential of humans, in beauty, truth, goodness, peace, life, God, and eternity.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, African Americans, Educational Professions, Professions in Social Work, Nonprofit, & Philanthropy, Publish
Hays, Arthur Garfield, 1881-1954
Arthur Hays speaks about his belief in freedom and the importance of democratic values and ideals to maintaining liberty.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, 60 and over, Politics, Law, & Government Professions
Heard, Gerald, 1889-1971
Gerald Heard describes his perspectives on moral laws and the freedoms we must obtain to achieve true contentment in our life, free of fears and anxiety.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, 60 and over, British Nationality, Immigrants/Immigration, Publishing and Writing Professions
Hecht, Edith
Edith Hecht explains why she believes the world is becoming a better place and her belief that faith, as opposed to fear, will remove obstacles in times of adversity, and that the world and man were created for goodness.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Homemaking Professions
Heinlein, Robert A. (Robert Anson), 1907-1988
Robert Heinlein talks about his beliefs in his neighbors–in their kindness and willingness to look out for each other, despite differences in opinions or creeds.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Colorado, Publishing and Writing Professions
Heller, Elizabeth
Elizabeth Heller describes how her experiences with receiving and giving small gifts led her to believe that giving helps people come to know one another and reduce conflict between them; this belief led her to found the “Share Your Birthday” movement in an effort to promote international peace through the act of children sharing toys with other children across the world.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Other, International Travel, Humanitarian Aid, and Diplomacy, Professions in Social Work, Nonprofit, & Philanthropy
Helms, Paul H.
Paul Helms describes his work with the Ford Foundation, as well as the impact his Christian upbringing has had on his beliefs, including his belief that giving 10% of his income results in tangible blessings.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, International Travel, Humanitarian Aid, and Diplomacy, Business Professions
Henderson, Howard
Howard Henderson describes how a series of failures and challenges during his early life and career revealed to him an inner strength and resilience, and describes his belief that a person’s strength comes from being part of a greater whole – family, community, world, or God.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Advertising Professions
Hershey, Lewis Blaine, 1893-1977
General Hershey laments society’s fascination with technological progress and opines that society would be better off if people focused on understanding themselves, others around them and their relationships with one another.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Washington, D.C. – Other, Military Professions
Hersholt, Jean, 1886-1956
Jean Hersholt describes his belief that human relationships are “problems of arithmetic”-where there are few people, individuals realize their responsibility to help their neighbors, but in crowded areas, the responsibility is passed along to someone else-and he notes that the world would be a better place if people remembered that they were in fact neighbors.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, 60 and over, Western European Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions, Immigrants/Immigration
Heubener, Theodore
Theodore Heubener describes how he came to believe that suffering had a purpose, either as the result of a person’s transgression of the natural order of the universe, or as the basis through which one’s character is formed.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Educational Professions
Hickey, Margaret
Margaret Hickey recalls her childhood when her father read the Bible to the family, and describes how her faith must be an active one of service.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Missouri, Publishing and Writing Professions
Higginbotham, George R.
George Higginbotham describes his “principle of kindness” (a resolve to avoid hurting others), his “principle of self-analysis” (a process of self-reflection which determines personal faults and ways in which to overcome them), and his “principle of tolerance” (a belief that because God is compassionate and forgiving, he should be as well).
Listen to the essay– Themes: West Virginia, Manufacturing Professions
Hillyer, Robert, 1895-1961
Robert Hillyer describes his belief that a poet’s job is to strip away dead or negative emotions to allow room for light, and his belief in finding satisfaction from each day as it arrives.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Connecticut, Educational Professions, Publishing and Writing Professions
Hires, Charles E., b. 1891
Charles Hires tells of his habit to throw himself into work and cut off relationships in response to the death of his wife and the realization that he was doing so in error and that happiness comes through helping and interacting with others.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, 60 and over
Hoagland, Hudson, 1899-1982
Hudson Hoagland describes the importance of science and democracy and how they work together.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Massachusetts, Mathematics and Science Professions
Hodder, Maximilian
Maximilian Hodder describes his experiences in prewar Poland, as a prisoner sent to a Siberian concentration camp, and as an immigrant to America, and summarizes his beliefs with the conviction that humanity is more good than evil, that individuals have a right to live the life of their choice, and that he has the responsibility to work to end oppression.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, Central European Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions, Immigrants/Immigration, Refugees
Hodge, Herbert, 1901-
Herbert Hodge describes his search for his own personal, practical philosophy for life: to try his best at all he does.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Transportation or Shipping Professions, Publishing and Writing Professions
Hodges, Leigh Mitchell, 1876-
Leigh Hodges describes how his constant worry and fear changed to hope and confidence, and how he came to believe in himself and enjoy the opportunities each new day brings.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, 60 and over, Journalism or Communications Professions
Hoey, Clyde Roark, 1877-1954
Clyde Hoey describes how his faith in God helped him to overcome childhood fears of walking home in the dark, and supported him through life’s challenges, a happy marriage, and the death of his spouse.
Listen to the essay– Themes: 60 and over, Politics, Law, & Government Professions
Hoffman, Elinor Gene
Elinor Gene Hoffman describes her belief in what Quakers call the “inner light,” and how that belief led her to give up an unsatisfying career in theatre to pursue the “inner light” more fully.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, Arts or Entertainment Professions
Holliday, Kate
Kate Holliday describes her beliefs in the brotherhood of humanity, in the right to freedom of worship, and in the Golden rule.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, International Travel, Humanitarian Aid, and Diplomacy, Publishing and Writing Professions
Holloway, Alice G.
Alice Holloway describes the influence her grandmother and father have had on her beliefs and her certainty that kindness and service to others in need is the kindness that comes from a deeply spiritual and selfless place in people.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Connecticut, Business Professions, Women in Politics, Law, & Business, Publishing and Writing Professions
Holmstrom, Andrew B.
Andrew Holmstrom describes being raised by Swedish-born parents, recites a Swedish prayer and its English translation, and describes how he has passed that heritage of faith and traditions to his own children and grandchildren.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Massachusetts, Children of Immigrants, Manufacturing Professions, Politics, Law, & Government Professions
Hoover, Herbert, 1874-1964
President Hoover describes the importance of religious faith in life, science, and politics.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, 60 and over, Architecture or Engineering Professions
Hoskins, Lewis M., 1916-2011
Lewis Hoskins recalls a time when he was taken prisoner by a Chinese soldier while providing humanitarian aid and his ability to find a common humanity and brotherliness with his captor that disarmed the fear and violence of the situation.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, International Travel, Humanitarian Aid, and Diplomacy, War and Civilians, Professions in Social Work, N
Hottel, Althea K. (Althea Krantz), 1907-
Althea Hottel remembers an influential poem and advice from her grandmother and how these things have shaped her and impacted her experience in life and religion.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Educational Professions
Houghton, Henry S.
Henry Houghton describes his childhood experiences of visiting his grandparents’ Quaker meetings, and how those experiences led to a belief in an inner voice which provides moral direction.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, Educational Professions, Medical Professions
Howey, Ella Mae
Ella Mae Howey states her belief in a personal, loving God who provides abundant life opportunities, and describes how learning to manage her condition of hearing loss taught her to believe in her power to respond positively to life’s challenges.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Ohio
Hoyle, Fred, Sir
Fred Hoyle describes his belief that morality is merely a matter of what outcomes will benefit a nation, and that, since conflict happens when nations outgrow their resources, we should address the issue of overpopulation in England and America.
Listen to the essay– Themes: British Nationality, Mathematics and Science Professions
Hubben, William, 1895-1974
William Hubben describes how, despite his experiences in Nazi Germany and the popular lack of faith in social progress, he still maintains a belief in the meaning of life and faith in the moral values of the next generation.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Western European Nationality, Immigrants/Immigration, Educational Professions, Journalism or Communicat
Hughes, John
John Hughes talks about living honestly as a taxicab driver in New York City.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Irish Nationality, Immigrants/Immigration, Transportation or Shipping Professions
Humphreys, Christmas, 1901-1983
Christmas Humphreys recounts his search for beliefs that he could live by, and states his beliefs in the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism.
Listen to the essay– Themes: British Nationality
Hunt, John Hunt, Baron, 1910-1998
Sir John Hunt describes his belief that all worthwhile achievements are accomplished with the help of inspiration and ultimately, God.
Listen to the essay– Themes: British Nationality, Military Professions
Hurok, Sol, 1888-1974
Sol Hurok recounts his experiences as an immigrant to America, and his vision for a venture that would bring classical artists to a popular audience.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, 60 and over, Eastern European Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions, Jewish Speakers, Immigrants/
Hurst, Fannie, 1889-1968 – This I Believe Essay #1
Fannie Hurst explains how the the character of her late husband reminds her that one must be honest with oneself in order to be fulfilled and achieve peacefulness, tranquility and personal success.
Listen to the essay
Hurst, Fannie, 1889-1968 – This I Believe Essay #2
Fannie Hurst talks about the example her husband set of how to live a selfless life, and her belief that many such lights of selfless living-though small–can together illuminate an entire arena in the world.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, 60 and over, Jewish Speakers, Publishing and Writing Professions
Huxley, Aldous, 1894-1963
Aldous Huxley describes his belief that the ideal society towards which he must strive is one that reduces the number of temptations for its citizens.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, British Nationality, Immigrants/Immigration, Publishing and Writing Professions