Browse Alphabetically O-S
O
O’Brien, Pat, 1899-1983
Pat O’Brien describes his belief in faith and prayer and the dignity of persons.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Arts or Entertainment Professions
O’Connell, Patrick A.
Patrick O’Connell talks about the uncertainty of always knowing right from wrong and the importance of the power of prayer.– Themes: Massachusetts, Business Professions
O’Leary, Thomas V.
Thomas O’Leary describes stories of human kindness, and his belief that working in newspapers is a way to bring the truth to light.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Other, Journalism or Communications Professions
Orbeliani, IrakliIrakli Orbeliani talks about deserving happiness and peace through generosity and following the guidance of “The Supreme Being.”
– Themes: Eastern European Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions
Orcutt, Reginald, 1894-
Orcutt explains how he developed his own belief in humanism and believes in always being open to truth and always sharing truth.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Rhode Island, Manufacturing Professions
Osborn, Alex F. (Alex Faickney)
Alex Osborn describes his belief in the power of creative imagination and ideas, and his satisfaction in teaching others how to capitilize on their “most priceless possession” (creative imagination) as well.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Advertising Professions, Publishing and Writing Professions
Oursler, Fulton, 1893-1952
Fulton Oursler explains why faith and love are the two most important prinicples in his life and how to practice them.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Publishing and Writing Professions
Overstreet, Bonaro W. (Bonaro Wilkinson), 1902-1985
Bonaro Overstreet talks about her doubt and her one certain belief, that we must all act towards one another with good will and kindness because people are intimately connected and the notion of individuality is a misperception.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Publishing and Writing Professions
Overstreet, H. A. (Harry Allen), 1875-1970
Harry Overstreet describes how Socrates has influenced his thinking, leading to the beliefs that truth must be sought out (rather than accepted) and that knowledge about the world can never be exhausted, and forming the foundation for his tolerant acceptance of his fellow human beings.
Listen to the essay– Themes: 60 and over, Educational Professions, Publishing and Writing Professions
P
Page, Elizabeth, b. 1889
Elizabeth Page recounts her experience of God’s presence after the death of her sister, describes her belief in her responsibility to address problems in the world, and explains how her belief in black-and-white distinctions between good and evil came to change.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Vermont, 60 and over, Professions in Social Work, Nonprofit, & Philanthropy, Publishing and Writing Professions
Palmer, Mrs. Paul (Georgia)
Mrs. Palmer describes the environment in which she grew up and the values and faith she acquired as a result, and why this faith might help others navigate through a confusing and “unpredictable era”.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Missouri, 60 and over, Agriculture and Farming, Homemaking Professions
Parker, Phyllis
Phyllis Parker is reminded of a saying she was fond of as a child, “love conquers all” and describes the good and sometimes bad results that have come of love. She also compares love to electricity, a flow of energy, and says that if we could all harness love and direct it wisely the world could be a much better place without prejudice.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, Publishing and Writing Professions
Parrish, Charles Henry, 1899-1989
Charles Parrish remembers his childhood and how his parents shaped his present belief that it is always good to help people and look for the goodness in people.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Kentucky, African Americans, Educational Professions, Social Science Professions
Patterson, Grove, 1881-1956
Grove Patterson describes his belief in a Supreme Power who created the universe, in immortality, in the efficacy of prayer, in the existence of natural law, in the existence of evil caused by humans, and in the courage to face rather than withdraw from the world’s problems.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Ohio, 60 and over, Journalism or Communications Professions
Pell, Walden, 1902-
Walden Pell describes his belief that life is an “educational enterprise” filled with teachers who must be sure that they are passing along the truth to the next generation.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Delaware, Educational Professions
Penfield, Wilder, 1891-1976
Wilfred Penfield describes his feeling of purpose and destiny when his boat was torpedoed during World War I and the relationship between science and religion.
Listen to the essay– Themes: 60 and over, Nationalities of Commonwealth Countries, War and Civilians, Educational Professions, Mathematics and Science Profession
Percy, Charles H., 1919-2011
Charles Percy explains why believes he has never met a person he did not respect, because he is open to listening and seeing who they truly are beneath the surface.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Illinois, Business Professions
Perry, Ralph Barton, 1876-1957
Ralph Perry describes his belief in believing – the quality that transforms idle thinking into action and his belief that humans can distinguish between right and wrong.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Massachusetts, 60 and over
Peters, Rollo
Rollo Peters explains his faith and wonder in people as individuals and the influence of friends on people’s lives, recalling his friendship with Edward Gordon Craig.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, Western European Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions, Immigrants/Immigration
Petersen, Howard C. (Howard Charles), 1910-
Howard Petersen describes how children confidently believe that good will triumph over evil, and outlines his belief that we must work to make this youthful optimism a reality by learning to live in harmony with others.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Banking and Finance Professions, Politics, Law, & Government Professions
Phillips, Roger S.
Roger Phillips describes the faith and values he inherited from his family and explains the value and influence of a mate and examines the many elements that make up a persons heritage.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Connecticut, Publishing and Writing Professions
Phipps, Anne
Anne Phipps describes her ongoing transition from a belief simply in outward things-such as the beauty to be found in nature, art, dance, and literature-to a belief in her inner soul.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Under 30
Pickett, Clarence
Clarence Pickett describes his experience in the Korean War during negotiations and how a meditation center highlighted the common humanity in all sides, and all people.
Listen to the essay– Themes: International Travel, Humanitarian Aid, and Diplomacy, War and Civilians, Professions in Social Work, Nonprofit, & Philanthropy
Pickles, Wilfred, 1904-1978
Wilfred Pickles talks about his faith in the “common man” and that it is the work of these people that make a difference in the world.
Listen to the essay– Themes: British Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions
Pillsbury, Mrs. Philip W. (Eleanor Bellows), d. 1971
Mrs. Pillsbury, President of Planned Parenthood Foundation of America, describes how she developed faith and belief in God and also her belief in the goodness of people and that we each have abilities that have been given to us for a purpose.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Minnesota, Professions in Social Work, Nonprofit, & Philanthropy
Pinelli, Ralph “Babe”
Ralph “Babe” Pinelli describes his beliefs in the importance of God, a strong marriage and family, religious training that starts in the home, a country that supports freedom of conscience, and baseball.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, Sports Professions
Pittenger, Lemuel Arthur, 1873-1953
L.A. Pittenger describes how his faith was challenged by tragedies and illness, but ultimately strengthened, and he states his beliefs in a creator, in the ultimate order of events, in the thereaputic effects of nature, in the importance of the family, and in the necessity of repaying one’s community with service.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Indiana, 60 and over, Educational Professions
Plagemann, Bentz, 1913-
Bentz Plagemann describes his experience in the Navy during WWII and the resulting belief that with patience and faith there are no difficulties one cannot overcome in life.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Soldiers, Publishing and Writing Professions
Pons, Lily, 1898-1976
Lily Pons describes how she learned to deal with stage fright, and how an inner voice helped her persevere to become an opera singer.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Western European Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions, Immigrants/Immigration
Potter, Gillie
Gillie Potter states his belief in the power of wit and “foolishness” to communicate truth, and describes his belief that his task is to bring merriness back to a modern zeitgeist that is currently devoid of humor.
Listen to the essay– Themes: 60 and over, British Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions
Potter, Richard C.
Richard Potter discusses his closeness with nature as a child and his belief that there is much to be gained from living close to nature and more children must be raised with an awareness of nature.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Arts or Entertainment Professions, Massachusetts
Powell, Dick, 1904-1963
Dick Powell talks of the simple adages that have shaped his views of life, and his faith and describes his desire to pass them on to his children.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Arts or Entertainment Professions
Powers, Robert B.
Robert Powers explains the value he has found in many different religions and that love, between man and God, can protect people from the uncertainty and fear they experience in life.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, Crime, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Rehabilitation, Publishing and Writing Professions, Politics, Law, & Government Pro
Pregel, Boris
Boris Pregel relates some of his experiences in Europe up to World War II to explain why charity, altruism and selflessness areso vital to his personal beliefs and adds that it is also important to live by ones beliefs to maintain dignity.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Eastern European Nationality, Architecture or Engineering Professions, Refugees
R
Ralph, K. James
Jim Ralph describes his belief in the simple virtues he learned as a boy, and which have sustained him through the loss of a leg in WWI, supported his happy marriage, and become reaffirmed through his work with the Lakemont Academy preparatory school for boys.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Disability and Illness, Banking and Finance Professions, Soldiers
Rank, J. Arthur, 1888-1972
J. Arthur Rank expresses his faith in God and humanity and the power of faith to transform the world in to a peaceful society.
Listen to the essay– Themes: 60 and over, British Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions
Read, Conyers, 1881-1959
Conyers Read enumerates some of his beliefs, such as; the ability to concern one’s self only with that which one can control; the importance of creative abilities and freedom of thought; and standards of right and wrong.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, 60 and over, Educational Professions
Reed, Philip D.
Phillip Reed describes his belief that, even if life continues after death, individuals should still work to make the most of their time on earth, striving to achieve excellence in their activities and to experience the joy that comes from serving others.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Business Professions
Reicher, Clement
Clement Reicher recounts a short allegory he wrote as a child which formed the basis for his belief that love must be personal (not idea-driven) and unpossessive, in order to increase and lead ultimately to happiness.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Western European Nationality, Journalism or Communications Professions
Reiling, Walter A.
Walter Reiling describes his belief that all persons have a right to happiness, which is dependent upon the ability to achieve one’s aspirations, and upon a freedom from fear.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Ohio, Medical Professions
Resnick, Rose
Rose Resnick describes her experiences as a blind pianist trying to make a living and the depression she found herself in. At the suggestion of a friend she turned to prayer and describes the transformation this suggestion had on her life.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Arts or Entertainment Professions, Disability and Illness, Educational Professions
Reynolds, Quentin James, 1902-1965
Quentin Reynolds explains why he would first burn the Bible if he were a dictator; the Bible is the source of democracy and its stories tell of the power of individuality, non-conformity which make a dictatorship impossible, according to Reynolds.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Publishing and Writing Professions, Journalism or Communications Professions
Richie, David S., 1908-
David Richie mentions a social experiment he tried in which he behaved selfishly one week and selflessly the following, what he discovered is that he felt better when acting selflessly and he believes now that good deeds can only be accomplished through good means.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Educational Professions, Professions in Social Work, Nonprofit, & Philanthropy
Richmond, Ralph
Ralph Richmond talks about his illness and the recovery that gave him a new, fresh perspective on his life.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Advertising Professions, Disability and Illness
Richter, Mischa, 1910-2001
Mischa Richter describes his youth and early career as an artist and the importance of generosity and humor.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Eastern European Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions, Immigrants/Immigration
Rieder, Edmond
Edmond Rieder describes how his experiences with hotel guests have established his belief in the basic goodness of people, and he believes that practicing the Golden Rule and trying his best at his endeavors has led to satisfaction.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, Western European Nationality, Immigrants/Immigration, Hospitality Professions
Robinson, Jackie, 1919-1972
Jackie Robinson describes his emotional response to the integration of baseball, and states his belief that humans can and must work to overcome prejudice and dogma.
Listen to the essay– Themes: African Americans, Sports Professions
Rogers, Clyde
Clyde Rogers describes his belief that everyone is interrelated and how he came to belief this after struggling with depression from which he found relief in prayer, God and a new focus on helping others.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, Arts or Entertainment Professions
Rombeau, Anne
Anne Rombeau describes her belief in the unity of nature and humanity, with each piece contributing as it freely chooses, and recounts an experience in which she overcame a physical ailment to continue her life of travel and flying.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, Educational Professions
Romulo, Carlos P. (Carlos Peña), 1899-1985
Carlos Romulo describes his belief in being true to himself despite the cost, exemplified by his inability to be with his family while he operated the broadcast Voice of Freedom during WWII and in his decision to withdraw his candidacy for president of the Philippines in order to help a candidate who shared his values win the election.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Asian or South Pacific nationality, International Travel, Humanitarian Aid, and Diplomacy, War and Civilians, Politics, Law, & Gover
Roosevelt, Eleanor, 1884-1962
Eleanor Roosevelt describes growing up in a religious household and later questioning her childhood beliefs, and concludes with the belief that a person must simply do the best that she can while meeting the future with courage.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, 60 and over, Women in Politics, Law, & Business, Professions in Social Work, Nonprofit, & Philanthropy, Po
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1914-2001
Theodore Roosevelt III describes what he believes was an unusual family life growing up-his father ensured he spent time with the children-and describes his own belief in and appreciation for the support of his wife and the value of a strong home life.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Banking and Finance Professions
Root, E. Merrill (Edward Merrill), 1895-1973
E. Merrill Root describes an experience of crossing the Atlantic under threat of submarine attack, and realizing, in the midst of fear, that life contains incredible beauty.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Indiana, War and Civilians, Publishing and Writing Professions
Rosenblum, Sidney
Sidney Rosenblum describes growing up in the only Jewish family in a small town in Tennessee; yet despite differences in religion, his family still found much in common with their community, and he believes in equality and the importance of serving others.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Kentucky, Jewish Speakers, Children of Immigrants, Business Professions
Rothenstein, John, 1901-1992
John Rothenstein describes the path that led him to the Roman Catholic Church as an adolescent and why he continues to be part of the Church.
Listen to the essay– Themes: British Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions
Rothschild, Walter N.
Walter Rothschild describes his belief in the need to allow human beings to develop their unique potential, the necessity of helping others, the importance of discipline, and the need to guide rather than dominate chidren; finally, he describes the contentment he derives from sailing at sea.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Business Professions, Professions in Social Work, Nonprofit, & Philanthropy
Roy, Subodh Chandra, Dr.
Dr. Subodh Chandra Roy describes how his life changed when he became blind at age seven, and states his belief that suffering can cause personal growth.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Asian or South Pacific nationality, Disability and Illness, Immigrants/Immigration, Educational Profession
Runbeck, Margaret Lee, 1905-1956
Margaret Runbeck describes her trip to India to combat illiteracy, and her belief that there is a spiritual revival underway, as people realize that rational intelligence alone cannot prevent “global suicide.”
Listen to the essay– Themes: International Travel, Humanitarian Aid, and Diplomacy, Publishing and Writing Professions
Rusk, Howard A., 1901-
Howard Rusk describes how the challenges of healing sick individuals drew him to practice medicine, and states his belief that suffering produces character.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Medical Professions
S
Sabine, Paul Earls, 1879-1958
Paul Sabine describes how his early beliefs were fractured into those about physical realities and those about spiritual realities, but now he believes modern physics has given him the framework to harmonize his beliefs into a coherent whole.
Listen to the essay– Themes: 60 and over, Mathematics and Science Professions
Sackville-West, V. (Victoria), 1892-1962
Vita Sackville-West describes her belief in an impersonal force, and her belief that, contrary to organized religion’s creed, humans are insignificant specks in the galaxy.
Listen to the essay– Themes: British Nationality, Publishing and Writing Professions
Sagendorph, Robb Hansell
Robb Sagendorph describes how his beliefs have deepened since he was young, and states his beliefs that humans are made significant because of their relationship to God, that life is everlasting, and that children have a closer understanding of life than adults.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New Hampshire, Publishing and Writing Professions
Sale, Virginia
Virginia Sale believes that to have a succesful and happy life it is important to do good for others in all things and to do this she tries to remember to act always as one of God’s children.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Arts or Entertainment Professions
Salmon, Richard
Richard Salmon ponders the magnitude of the universe and describes his realization that everything is part of God’s plan and how fishing teaches him to make the best of life.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – Other, Arts or Entertainment Professions, Publishing and Writing Professions
Sams, Edith E.
Edith Sams describes how a childhood encounter with a handicapped individual inspired her to enter social work as a career, and her belief that the efforts of individuals can make an impact on the world.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Tennessee, Professions in Social Work, Nonprofit, & Philanthropy
Saul, Leon J. (Leon Joseph), 1901-1983
Dr. Saul beliefs are shaped by his experiences in science and he describes his conviction that the fight-or-flight reaction and suffering in childhood can lead to developmental problems as adults; modern society must focus its energy on developing emotionally mature adults for future harmony.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Educational Professions, Medical Professions
Savage, Susan
Susan Savage talks about the impact the death of her mother had on her and her beliefs.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Educational Professions
Schacter, Harry W.
Harry Schacter describes his belief in fighting for social justice: though one individual might not make a difference, he still has a right to choose the side upon which he fights.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Kentucky, Business Professions
Schary, Dore
Dore Schary lists some of the beliefs he has acquired over the course of his life; the importance of family, equality of people, respect for law, democracy, patriotism, and concludes by describing the importance of wisdom to the past, present and future of the human race.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Arts or Entertainment Professions.
Schauffler, Bennet F.
Bennet Schauffler talks about the importance of keeping active in order to find happiness, that if one enjoys what one is doing and works at it one has no time, or inclination, to argue or fight with others. boredom and inactivity have led people to conflict and materialistic greed.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Professions in Social Work, Nonprofit, & Philanthropy
Schlesinger, Edmond R.
Edmond Schlesinger describes how World War II damaged his young belief in the essential kindness of humanity, but that he still remains confident that “man can become better”.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Kentucky, Western European Nationality, Immigrants/Immigration, Refugees, Educational Professions, Professions in Social Work, Nonpr
Schoenbrun, David
David Schoenbrun talks about his introduction to Descartes and Philosophy; the importance of doubting and questioning to liberty and his life; and how, contrary to assumption, his doubt is based on and strengthens his faith and spirituality.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Journalism or Communications Professions
Schoonover, Lawrence L.
Lawrence Schoonover describes his experiment with ethics in his youth and his questioning of the relevance of the Ten Commandments. He then recounts the awareness of his mistake and how he lives by them and raises his children according to them.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Publishing and Writing Professions
Scott, Edgar
Edgar Scott describes his beliefs that the universe was created by God, that God is loving and in control of events, that the existence of evil does not negate the existence of God but rather teaches us important life lessons, that what happens after death is still an “unsolved puzzle,” and that individuals must surrender to the things in life which are too big for them to dominate.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Banking and Finance Professions, Publishing and Writing Professions
Scott, Peter, 1909-1989
Peter Scott describes his belief in painting and science as a means by which to discover truth, and describes the wide variety of interests that provide him a busy life.
Listen to the essay– Themes: British Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions
Scratch, Walter Leonard, 1902-
Walter Scratch describes his belief that spiritually minded people will create a good society, that societal change must start with personal responsibility, that individual religious experience is important, and that religion ought to be growing and open to change.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, Publishing and Writing Professions, Journalism or Communications Professions
Sears, William
Bill Sears talks about his belief in the importance of developing faith and a moral character to live life to its fullest potential and greatest happiness.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Sports Professions, Publishing and Writing Professions, Journalism or Communications Professions
Seltzer, Louis Benson, 1897-1980
Louis Seltzer describes how he accounts to God daily for his conduct and describes his efforts to always make the best of his abilities, however limited, and to produce goodness in the world through his actions.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Ohio, Journalism or Communications Professions
Seymour, Arthur G., Mrs.
Mrs. Arthur Seymour describes her belief in the power of offering friendship to lonely women, and her attempts to do so.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Ohio, Homemaking Professions, Professions in Social Work, Nonprofit, & Philanthropy
Shaffer, Robert Howard, 1915-
Robert Shaffer describes his belief that a person’s dreams drive his or her reality, and that individuals must have a sense of personal worth and value to derive any meaning from their life’s work.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Indiana, Educational Professions, Publishing and Writing Professions
Shankar, Uday, 1900-1977
Uday Shankar describes his belief that his own career path was a result of God’s all-powerful will, and that his talents (and those of others) are God’s creative force manifest through him.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Asian or South Pacific nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions
Sharples, Laurence P. (Laurence Price), 1891-1976
Laurence Sharples describes the essential beliefs he tries to live by; keep active and busy, educate his heart and have empathy, remain honest, and create something positive to leave behind.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, 60 and over, Architecture or Engineering Professions
Shellabarger, Samuel, 1888-1954
In a recording aired posthumously, Samuel Shellabarger describes his beliefs in his dependence upon God for eternal life, in the existence of natural laws that govern values and morality, and in the value of using the past to inform future decisions.
Listen to the essay– Themes: 60 and over, Publishing and Writing Professions
Sherman, Edward Allen, b. 1895
Edward Sherman emphasizes the need for responsibility and sacrifice for the sake of the country and to preserve its leadership in the world, and lists his personal commandments, a “Decalogue of Civic Responsibility”.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Massachusetts, Military Professions
Shirer, William L. (William Lawrence), 1904-1993
While reporting from Germany during Nazi rule, radio commentator William L. Shirer learned the value of tolerance and freedom and was inspired by people’s ability to retain their faith and will to live in the face of attrocities. Shirer believes that man’s resilience, especially during times of war, comes from having a rich inner life of reflection and contemplation.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, War and Civilians, Publishing and Writing Professions, Journalism or Communications Professions
Silverman, S. Richard (Sol Richard), 1911-
S. Richard Silverman describes his belief in the significance of all people, even a deaf child, and the potential of anyone to accomplish change in the world.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Educational Professions
Simon, Caroline K. (Caroline Klein)
Caroline Simon emphasizes the dignity of all people and talks briefly about her work with the New York State Commision Against Discrimination.– Themes: New York – New York City, Women in Politics, Law, & Business, Politics, Law, & Government Professions
imon, John Allsebrook Simon, Viscount, 1873-1954
Viscount Simon describes his belief that life is like a train which must come to an end at some point during the journey, but we should not view life with dread, even if he does not believe in an afterlife.
Listen to the essay– Themes: 60 and over, British Nationality, Politics, Law, & Government Professions
Simons, Hans, 1893-1972
Hans Simons remembers his experiences in Nazi, Germany and the necessity of leaving Europe and tells how he assimilated and appreciates the diversity and freedoms of his new country.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Immigrants/Immigration, Refugees, Educational Professions, Publishing and Writing Professions
Simons, Leonard N., 1904-
Leonard Simons describes his beliefs that satisfaction comes from helping others, that the list of charitable organizations he has helped is just as important as his list of paying clients, that he is fortunate to live a useful life, that any money beyond what is needed for his family’s security is devoted to helping others, and that serving others is troublesome, but a source of fun, as well.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Michigan, Advertising Professions
Sinclair, John S. (John Stephens), 1897-1972
John Sinclair describes his belief that faith in an immortal soul, prayer, knowledge of the truth, and humility will help him overcome discouragement, cynicism, and the fear of death.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Banking and Finance Professions, Business Professions, Politics, Law, & Government Professions
Sinclair, Upton, 1878-1968
Upton Sinclair describes the military (Navy) and religious (Episcopalian) background of his family, and his own choice to defend his country and bring change through his writing
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, 60 and over, Publishing and Writing Professions
Slater, Verona Wylie
Verona Slater describes her experience with religion as a child, the daughter of a minister, and how her beliefs in wisdom, kindness, courage and strength have been shaped by these experiences.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Homemaking Professions
Sloss, Hattie Hecht
Hattie Hecht Sloss describes her belief via the format of poetry, quoting Coolridge, James Henry Leigh Hunt, the Old and New Testaments, Tennyson, and several poems by Browning.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Publishing and Writing Professions
Smith, Bradford, 1909-1964
Bradford Smith describes his fascination with the universe and its creation and the importance of creativity in life, bith in general and in a person’s life, and that one must develop this creativity through social connections, democracy and love.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Vermont, Educational Professions, Publishing and Writing Professions
Smith, Margaret Chase, 1897-1995
Margaret Chase Smith describes the beliefs which make the discouragement of political work worthwhile: a belief in an individual’s God-given purpose and rights, such as the right to consideration and courtesy from others, the right to criticize constructively, the right honestly to hold unpopular beliefs, the right to protest orderly, and the right of independent thought.
Listen to the essay– Tehemes: Women in Politics, Law, & Business, Politics, Law, & Government Professions
Smith, Robertson
Robertson Smith describes how a moment of apparent catastrophe formed his belief that all things work together for the good for those who love God, and led to his belief that God’s loving purpose and presence are in every situation.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Publishing and Writing Professions
Sneed, Edward R.
Edward Sneed describes how ambition used to drive his life, until he learned how to count his blessings, and received great strength and happiness in return.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Business Professions, Politics, Law, & Government Professions
Sokolsky, George E. (George Ephraim), 1893-1962
George Sokolsky talks about his experience abroad and how the experience affected his philosophy of life, politics, and religion.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Massachusetts, Journalism or Communications Professions
Soule, Oscar F.
Oscar Soule explains his belief that service to man is like a payment of rent for time on earth.– Themes: New York – Other, Journalism or Communications Professions
Spalding, Howard G.
Howard Spalding describes his belief in a divine spark that exists within every person and which spurs creative invention and moral reasoning, and states his belief that happiness is achieved through the ability to use creative intelligence in the service of others.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Educational Professions
Spender, Percy, 1897-1985
Percy Spender explains how and why it is important for people to consider the future one is leaving for the following generation and that it is our duty to create a better world, in which they can live without fear, for the next generation.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Nationalities of Commonwealth Countries, International Travel, Humanitarian Aid, and Diplomacy, Politics, Law, & Government Professi
Spidell, Rosalie
Rosalie Spidell describes her “creed of umimportant people”–her beliefs in unseen realities and the afterlife, her conviction that virture isn’t dead, her certainty in a religion she has practiced since childhood, and her description of simple pleasures and joys that have enriched her everyday life.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Florida, Educational Professions
Spry, Constance, 1886-1960
Constance Spry describes how she adopted her father’s love of truth, justice, beauty, and poetry, and explains her father’s practice of listening to, rather than judging, the beliefs and opinions of others.
Listen to the essay– Themes: 60 and over, British Nationality, Professions in Social Work, Nonprofit, & Philanthropy
Stacy-Judd, Robert
Robert Stacy-Judd relates an experience from early in his career when unemployment left him homeless and in despair; however, rather than taking his own life, he had the opportunity to prevent another from committing suicide, establishing his faith in divine help, prayer, and a sense of humor.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, British Nationality, Architecture or Engineering Professions, Immigrants/Immigration
Stanford, Alfred, 1900-
Alfred Stanford describes the balance that must be struck between emotion and reason in order to accomplish goals and develop an “inner integrity”.– Themes: Advertising Professions, Publishing and Writing Professions
Stark, Freya
Freya Stark talks about her belief in immortality and the afterlife and how this view of eternity affects her perspective and gives her an affinity for sincerity and truth.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Western European Nationality, Publishing and Writing Professions
Starr, Floyd Elliot, 1883-1980
Floyd Starr talks about his belief in the power of love and his faith in the goodness of all people and how his work with boys has affirmed his beliefs.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Michigan, 60 and over, Professions in Social Work, Nonprofit, & Philanthropy
Stassen, Harold Edward, 1907-2001
Harold Stassen describes Albert Schweitxer’s life and his philosophy of “reverance for life”, and from this explains why people yearn for freedom and dictatorships can never stop this yearning.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Educational Professions, Politics, Law, & Government Professions
Stegner, Wallace, 1909-1993
Wallace Stegner describes his suspicions of “passionate faith” because of the religious intolerance it creates, and recounts his beliefs in virtues such as kindness and courage, and his belief that although consciences are developed differently, based on one’s birthplace, nevertheless, people across the world share many values.
Listen to the essay– Themes: California, Publishing and Writing Professions
Stevens, Lewis Miller, 1898-1963
Lewis Stevens discusses the importance of the spirit, affection and faith in God’s love to withstand the trials and calamity of the material world.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Politics, Law, & Government Professions
Stevenson, Adlai E. (Adlai Ewing), 1900-1965
Adlai Stevenson describes his beliefs in generosity, in liberty, in the rights of man, in God’s goodness and protection, in liberalism, in individualism, in freedom of conscience, in diversity and the right to dissent, and in open-mindedness.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Politics, Law, & Government Professions
Stewart, George
Lt. Col. George Stewart describes how he developed a moral code based on friendliness, and explains how his faith in people developed because of his neighbors’ friendliness, and how Jesus demonstrated God’s friendliness during His time on earth.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New Hampshire, Publishing and Writing Professions, Military Professions
Stewart, Irvin, 1899-1990
Irvin Stewart describes how he believes life resembles a newsreel of a football game: like the camera lens, our perspective is limited to a narrow section of the whole field, even though we are still playing a role in the greater cooperative enterprise.
Listen to the essay– Themes: West Virginia, Educational Professions
Stowe, Leland, 1899-
Leland Stowe talks about his experiences around the world meeting different people and the similarities he saw and how his experiences convinced him that everyone should try to understand other people and act with compassion and empathy.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Publishing and Writing Professions, Journalism or Communications Professions
Strassman, Ralph K.
Col. Ralph K. Strassman describes his belief in the importance of human beings, and the enduring persistence of human personality, despite the failures and fears of the present age.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Advertising Professions, Publishing and Writing Professions, Military Professions
Strebel, Ralph F. (Ralph Frederick), b. 1894
Ralph Strebel talks about his early childhood and his awareness of class and his youthful epiphany that one should have pride in oneself for who they are, not where they come from, and how this realization supports his belief in equality and democracy. He also talks about the need to develop a more spiritual philosophy in the world and abandon the materialistic philosophy that he believes is pervasive.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – Other, Educational Professions, Publishing and Writing Professions
Strickling, George F. (George Franklin), 1896-1985
George Strickling recounts how the rowdiness of a previous regiment of American soldiers in England limited his own freedom to sight-see as a soldier, and describes his belief in good manners.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Ohio, Arts or Entertainment Professions, Educational Professions, Soldiers, Publishing and Writing Professions
Stulman, Julius
Julius Stulman states his belief in the need for self-evaluation and describes his own practice of speculating on what values the future might require and subsequently living his life towards achieving those goals.
Listen to the essay– Themes: New York – New York City, Business Professions
Sullivan, Katharine
Katharine Sullivan talks about her work with inmates and the power of faith and prayer in her work and her life.– Themes: Massachusetts, Crime, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Rehabilitation, Professions in Social Work, Nonprofit, & Philanthropy
Supplee, Henderson, Jr.
Henderson Supplee talks about the importance of opportunity in life and achieving harmony.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Business Professions
Swing, Raymond, 1887-1968
Raymond Swing describes how the realization that most of his troubles were caused by ignorance led him to become more tolerant of others, and states his beliefs in his participation in the “All-Wisdom” of God, in his responsibility to change himself, and in the importance of extending to others the love and freedom which he desires for himself.
Listen to the essay
more resources for Raymond Swing– Themes: 60 and over, This I Believe Staff, Journalism or Communications Professions
Szigeti, Joseph, 1892-1973
Joseph Szigeti describes his efforts to avoid being stereotyped and remaining authentic to himself and also the obligation one has to work with and help other people.
Listen to the essay– Themes: Central European Nationality, Arts or Entertainment Professions