The Life and Work of Edward R. Murrow an archives exhibit

Education

Essays by speakers in educational professions.

Abū Ḥadīd, Muḥammad Farīd

Muhammad Farid Abu Hadid, Dean of the Institute of Education in Cairo, Egypt, describes how he struggled to understand the meaning of life, until he realized that happiness was achievable only by stripping away constructed appearances and pursuing affection, cooperation, goodness, mercy, and justice.

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Allen, Raymond B. (Raymond Bernard), 1902-1986

Chancellor of UCLA Raymond Allen describes the impact his family had on teaching him responsibility and other beliefs such as the necessity of family and describes the beliefs he holds close, such as the importance of kindness,the perfectability of man, the need for faith and freedom to worship, and the value of creativity.

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Almy, Doris E.

Doris Almy, Public Relations Director of the Massachusetts Teachers Federation, explains how her trust in the omnipotence of God and the re-establishment of her faith allowed her to overcome her fears and anxiety, and discusses her belief in kindness and education as a relief from anxiety in the lives of others.

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Alschuler, Rose H. (Rose Haas), 1887-1979

Author and nursery school director Rose Alschuler describes the many essential beliefs she would like to impart to her children and adds that it is important for people to act on their beliefs in order to improve one’s political and social life and remove cynicism.

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Andrade, Víctor, 1905-

Educator and Bolivian ambassador to the United States Victor Andrade describes how he explained the concept of electricity to his son, and states his beliefs that the soul, like electricity, is an unseen force; that a moral order exists; that happiness must be based on immaterial, rather than material, means; and that all individuals are equal.

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Baxter, James Phinney, 1893-1975

Historian James Baxter, President of Williams College, describes his belief that the source of a country’s freedom is its religion.

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Bindt, Juliet

Teacher Juliet Bindt describes how she came to accept her extremely poor sight, learned how to live a busy and productive life as a blind individual, and determined to help other blind individuals do the same.

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Bird, Remsen Du Bois, b. 1888

Remsen Bird, President of Occidental College, explains that though there are many problems in the world which challenge his convictions, he nevertheless believes that God brings truth, beauty, and righteousness into the world, acting through those individuals who show love and care for others.

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Bixler, Julius Seelye, 1894-

Julius Bixler, President of Colby College, explores the tension between faith and reason and explains why skepticism falls short in comparison to faith and experiences like love, friendship, family, and the goodness of people.

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Boulding, Kenneth E. (Kenneth Ewart), 1910-1993

British-born Kenneth E. Boulding, Professor of Economics at the University of Michigan, explains that as a Quaker and an economist he understands that pure scientific knowledge is important but meaningless if unaccompanied by an appreciation for the intuitive and spiritual side of life, which he experiences through prayer and contemplation.

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Briggs, John DeQuedville

John DeQuedville Briggs, Headmaster of St. Paul Academy, describes his beliefs in honesty, trustworthiness, and the Golden Rule; and explains how his experience of other people living by these beliefs provides him hope for the future, despite the prevailing spirit of pessimism.

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Brogan, D. W. (Denis William), 1900-1974

Denis Brogan, Professor of Political Science at Cambridge University, explains that he doesn't share the certainty or types of belief that many adherents of world religions claim, but he does believe that love is better than hate, and that the love of friends gives meaning to life.

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Brown, Ina Corinne

Ina Brown, Professor of Social Anthropology at Scarritt College, summarizes her four basic beliefs; to preserve one’s personal integrity, to refrain from judging others, to persevere in the face of adversity, and to fulfill one’s obligation to work towards a peaceful society.

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Burchard, John E. (John Ely), 1898-1975

Educator at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and architect John Burchard admits his fear, and describes his belief that life cannot be lived in fear, and that the solution in the face of the current threats to “Western Civilization” is to embrace the diversity that America was founded upon, and to strive for union between world nations, despite such a union’s newness and unfamiliarity.

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Byers, Carl C.

Educator and entertainer Carl Byers describes his beliefs in using intelligent change to create an optimistic future and in living his life in a way that makes others happy to see him come rather than glad to see him go.

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Cantrell, Hadley

Hadley Cantrell, Chairman of the Department of Psychology at Princeton University, describes the differences between knowledge, beliefs, and emotions, and states his belief that human beings are essentially the same in their needs and aspirations, and that satisfaction comes through high quality work motivated by love.

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Carlson, William S. (William Samuel), 1912-

William Carlson, President of the State University of New York, describes how his experience of living with an Inuit family in Greenland disproved his belief of belonging to a superior race, and he states his beliefs in the brotherhood of humanity, the virtue of patience, the need for self-evaluation, the unity of family, and the method of science.

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Case, Everett, 1901-2000

Everett Case, President of Colgate University, describes his belief in Socrates’ “examined life,” and the role of the humanities in helping an individual discern and protect justice.

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Case, Harold Claude, 1902-1972

Harold Case, President of Boston University, explains his belief in an ordered, beneficent Universe created by God and the importance of living a purposeful and thoughtful life.

Cleland, Robert Glass, 1885-1957

Robert Cleland describes a time in his life in which he was distraught and took a trip along the Colorado river with friends. The beauty he saw during the trip, Robert Cleland says, re-inspired his life and faith.

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Cobbs, Susan Parker, 1905-1975

Swarthmore College classicist Susan Parker Cobbs believes, as Socrates did, that the unexamined life is not worth living. Cobbs says all people have goodness within them, which can be expressed where there is freedom, faith and truth.

Compton, Wilson Martindale, 1890-1967

Diplomat and educator Wilson Compton describes the influence of his Presbyterian parents on his beliefs (including his mother’s child-rearing philosophy of “The Bible, soap, and spinach”) and explains how the Golden Rule is a concept found in all of the major world religions.

Cori, Gerty T. (Gerty Theresa), 1896-1957

Czech-born biochemist Gerty Cori describes the advantages of immigrating to America, and her beliefs in modern science and the progress of humanity.

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Crandon, Laura Bishop

Retired school teacher Laura Crandon states her belief that the world’s problems could be addressed if individuals viewed humanity as an interconnected society in which each individual has a part to play.

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Curtiss, W. David

W. David Curtiss, Associate Professor of Law at Cornell University, describes how his well-laid life plans were interrupted by WWII, and how the uncertainty of war taught him to accept change, not with resignation, but with a spirit of adventure.

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Davis, Jerome, 1891-

Author and educator Jerome Davis speaks about the rewards of a life helping others, and discusses his research into prison conditions.

Davison, Archibald T. (Archibald Thompson), 1883-1961

Archibald Davison, Professor of Music at Harvard University and Director of the Harvard Glee Club, recounts a childhood experience in which he shut the door on a man who had come to the house in search of work, and describes his belief in the importance of weighing his actions and words carefully and avoiding the unnecessary infliction of pain.

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Dawson, Osceola Aleese

Osceola Dawson, a teacher and civic leader, describes her beliefs in the fatherhood of God, the brotherhood and equality of humanity, the Bible as the “infallible guide to conduct,” and the home as “the foundation of society.”

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Day, George Martin

George Day, former YMCA and Red Cross representative in Russia and professor emeritus of Occidental College, describes his belief in the equality of all races, in the brotherhood of humanity, in a personal God, and in the potential for Russian and American peoples to live in harmony.

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Deustch, Monroe E., 1879-1955

Monroe Deustch, Vice President and Provost Emeritus of the University of California, expresses his belief that the sentiment of brotherhood between people could solve many of the world’s problems and also expresses his belief that there is a greater power in the world that has created the Universe and that this power is immortal just as the spirit of people is immortal as well.

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Dietrich, Harry F.

Pediatrician and college professor Harry Dietrich describes how his family background, his teachers, and the tools and techniques invented by doctors of previous generations have all equipped him to achieve healing more effectively than ever before, and states his belief that his responsibility is to help dispel fear in his patients.

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Dobie, J. Frank (James Frank), 1888-1964

Author and folklorist Frank Dobie describes his belief in those things that make him “feel big”: he believes in a supreme Being, the value of questioning to avoid blind faith, and the importance of eliminating prejudice.

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or an edited version with a “This I Believe” book advertisement

Dodge, Dora Estelle

Dora Dodge, Executive Director of the Girls Club of Worcester, Massachusetts, talks about her work with the girls club and the importance of planning and faith.

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Dodineau, Arthur

Arthur Dodineau, Superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools, talks about the foundational experiences he had as a boy growing up on a farm in rural Michigan, and his faith in teachers, religion, and the future of the United States.

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Douglas, Paul H. (Paul Howard), 1892-1976

Paul Douglas, U.S. Senator from Illinois and professor at the University of Chicago, describes his belief that he must work towards achieving a “fellowship of friends,” spreading love and good-will in his community and the world, but that armed resistance to groups such as the Nazis and Communists is justified.

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Dover, Edina Campbell, Mrs., 1893-

Edina Campbell Dover, Director of the Hockox Secretarial School in Boston, discusses her guiding philosophy to behave in the same manner as she imagines Jesus Christ would, and the outcomes of this philosophy in her life and work and also explains the need for prayer, and its importance, on a frequent and regular basis.

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DuBridge, Lee A. (Lee Alvin), 1901-1994

Lee DuBridge, physicist and President of the California Institute of Technology, describes his beliefs in science, both what can be understood now, and what will be explained as civilization progresses toward the future.

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Everett, John Rutherford, 1918-1992

John R. Everett, President of Hollins College, describes 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.

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Fagg, Fred D. (Fred Dow), 1896-1981

Fred Fagg, President of the University of Southern California, 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.”

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Farooki, Nazrat

Pakistani painter and teacher 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.

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Fisher, Annie, 1883-1968

Educator Annie Fisher talks about her experiences growing up in a Jewish family and her belief in equality and the importance of goodness regardless of one’s faith.

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Forbes, Alexander, 1882-1965

Dr. Alexander Forbes, Professor Emeritus of Physiology at Harvard University, 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.

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Fox, Thomas P.

Dentist and educator Thomas Fox describes his belief that one is happiest when serving others, and recounts the people in his life who shaped that belief.

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Fry, Margery, 1874-1958

Prison reformer and educator 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).

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Fuess, Claude Moore, 1885-1963

Claude Fuess, Headmaster of Phillips Academy, 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.

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Gassner, John, 1903-1967

Hungarian-born theater critic and producer 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.

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Gates, Frieda

Frieda Gates, Director of the Syracuse Public Library, discusses how her work as a librarian allows her to help others educate themselves and the importance of tolerance and respect for others views.

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Gerschefski, Edwin, 1909-1992

Composer, pianist, and educator 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.

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Glueck, Nelson, 1900-1972

Nelson Glueck, President of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, 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.

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Gotesky, Rubin, 1906-

Polish-born university professor 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.

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Gregg, Eugene Stuart, 1892-

Businessman and college professor Eugene Gregg describes his beliefs that persons are responsible to a higher authority and responsible for taking care of others as well as themselves.

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Griffith, Ivor, 1891-1961

Welsh-born Dr. Ivor Griffith, President and Research Director of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, 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.

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Guérard, Albert Léon, 1880-1959

French-born Albert Guérard describes his beliefs as a blend of old and new ideals that espouse liberty, progress, tolerance, and charity.

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Hall, Edward T. (Edward Twitchell), 1914-2009

Edward T. Hall, Headmaster of the Hill School at Pottstown, describes how he came to believe in the efficacy of prayer.

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Ham, Roswell Gray, 1891-1983

Roswell Ham, President of Mt. Holyoke College, describes being raised by a single mother and the impact she had on his beliefs in beauty.

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Hannah, Joseph V.

Joseph Hannah, Professor of Psychology at New York University, 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.

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Haworth, Clarence V., 1875-

C.V. Haworth, Superintendent of the Kokomo City Schools, 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.

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Haynes, George Edmund

George Haynes, the Executive Director of National Urban League, describes his beliefs in the equal potential of humans, in beauty, truth, goodness, peace, life, God, and eternity.

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Heubener, Theodore

Educator 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.

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Hillyer, Robert, 1895-1961

Poet and college professor Robert Hillyer describes his belief that a poet’s job is to strip away dead or negative emotions in order to allow room for light, and states his belief in finding satisfaction from each day as it arrives.

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Hottel, Althea K. (Althea Krantz), 1907-

Althea Hottel, Dean of Women at the University of Pennsylvania, remembers an influential poem and advice from her grandmother and how these things have shaped her and impacted her experience in life and religion.

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Houghton, Henry S.

Physician and teacher 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.

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Hubben, William, 1895-1974

German-born William Hubben, educator and editor of the Friends Intelligencer, 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.

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Jackson, Lee

Painter Lee Jackson describes his love of painting, and how he found encouragement to pursue that love despite lack of recognition or finances in the early days of his career.

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Jefferson, Howard B. (Howard Bonar), 1901-

Howard Jefferson, President of Clark University, talks about working with college students and how these experiences have shown him the potential goodness of human nature.

Johnson, Charles Spurgeon

African American Charles Johnson, the President of Fisk University, describes how his great-grandfather’s experience with slavery, his father’s experience as a Baptist minister, and his own college experience in social services have helped to shape his belief that “no man can be justly judged until you’ve looked at the world through his eyes.”

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Johnson, Eric Warner

Eric Warner Johnson, Head of Friends’ Central School, describes his beliefs in the freedom of conscience, in the brotherhood of humanity, in the importance of living one’s faith in practical action, and in the value of speaking the truth, even at personal risk.

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Johnson, Kenneth D.

Kenneth Johnson, Dean of the New York School of Social Work, talks of the importance of democracy, freedom and human welfare, and emphasizes the ethical principles that underlie our democratic ideals.

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Jones, David Dallas

David Jones, President of Bennett College, describes his belief in the value of hard work and harmonious relationships in the home, and his belief that there is a providence who provides.

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Jones, Galen

Galen Jones, an official in the Office of Education in the Federal Security Agency, describes his belief in the dignity of human personality, in the existence of free will, and in the responsibility of individuals to make their own choices in life.

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Jones, Susie Williams, 1892-1984

Homemaker Susie Jones, Registrar of Bennett College, believes spiritual fulfillment comes from attending to the mundane chores of daily life and describes her belief in the fundamental goodness of people and her desire to be one with God.

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Joy, C. Turner (Charles Turner), 1895-1956

Charles Turner Joy, 37th Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, compares life to navigation in that everyone begins life in a specific spot and situation and then travels toward an unknown destination, using whatever tools we have acquired in life to give direction; from this he adds that it is important to keep your awareness in the present and do the task at hand.

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Katz, Milton, 1907-1995

Milton Katz, Associate Director of the Ford Foundation, Chief of the United States Marshall Plan, and Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, describes how his experiences in another culture caused him to question the universal nature of his own values, but his reaction to world powers such as Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union led him to conclude that his values of freedom and justice and charity were true, after all.

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Kimball, Maulsby, 1904-1987

Painter and educator Maulsby Kimball, Jr., describes his belief that man is full of potential that has yet to be tapped, and his belief that humans can unlock that potential through art and creative activity.

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Kiser, Martha Gwinn

Author and college teacher Martha Kiser talks about her faith in all people and her beliefs in the immortality of the soul and the importance of compassion, work, and friendship.

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Kohn, Lucile

Teacher Lucile Kohn describes the spirit of cooperation she finds in her work and in young people and the inspiration she draws from working with and teaching youth and why this gives her faith that there can be a better world in the future.

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Kristoffersen, Magnus K.

Magnus Kristoffersen describes how reading has shaped his life, and describes the lessons he has derived from stories: from Sutton Vane’s Outward Bound, he has learned that he must give a final account of his actions, and from Selma Lagerlof’s Jerusalem, he has learned that trying to save one’s life at the expense of others merely backfires in the end.

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Krone, Max T. (Max Thomas), 1901-1970

Max Krone, Choral Director and Dean of the University of Southern California’s Institute of the Arts, imagines looking on earth from a great distance and explains how this perspective gives him insight into the fundamental unity of man on earth.

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Lester, John A. (John Ashby), 1915-1983

John Lester, Head of the English Department at the Hill School at Pottstown, explains the importance of education and sports in teaching children to be good and remembers the advice of his mentor John Meggs: that he must love his students if he is to teach them.

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Levenson, Harry, 1905-1993

Conductor, violinist, and music teacher Harry Levenson relates his experience as a musician to the struggles of people in the world and explains his belief that doing one’s best and appreciating the individual as a person can guide us towards a peaceful future.

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Locker, W. C.

Teacher and publisher W. C. Locker describes his beliefs in God’s omnipotence, in his own responsibility to live according to God’s plan for his life, and in the role that work plays to make the inner qualities of love visible to others.

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Lyon, P. H. B. (Percy Hugh Beverley), 1893-1986

Educator Hugh Lyon talks about God and man and explains that the noble qualities of man, such as love, valor and heroism, prove that humans must be the children of God, and that God gives life meaning and purpose.

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MacCracken, H. N. (Henry Noble), b. 1880

Henry MacCracken, President of Vassar College, describes the basic tenants of his personal philosophy (art, science, democracy, and religion) and how these four “points of the compass” are held together by freedom.

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MacIver, Robert M. (Robert Morrison), 1882-1970

Robert MacIver, chair of the Department of Sociology at Columbia University, describes his belief that no matter how thoroughly he pursues knowledge of the world, he realizes that there will always be aspects yet to be explained, leaving room for wonder in his view of the world.

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Maxey, Chester C. (Chester Collins), 1890-1984

Chester Maxey, President of Whitman College, describes the “creative force” that is vital to a meaningful society and how the United States’ success is a result of its nourishing this creative spirit.

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McEwen, Robert Ward

Robert McEwen, President of Hamilton College, describes his faith in people that he developed from working with young people in education and his belief in the adaptability of people in a dynamic universe.

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McFeely, Richard H.

Teacher Richard McFeely describes how an attack of infantile paralysis (polio) shattered his dreams of a career in physical education, and how his mother’s encouragement helped him discover that life was worth living, even in misfortune.

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McNeil, Joe B.

Educator Joe McNeil describes his beliefs in a God who created and watches over the universe, and in the power of preparing youth to impact their communities in tangible ways, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant.

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Melby, Ernest Oscar, 1891-1987

Educator Ernest Melby talks about his belief in the individuality of people and the need for freedom and liberty in order for people to develop to the greatest potential.

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Mellard, Lyn

Lyn Mellard, a graduate student at the University of Arizona and the wife of a Texas rancher, talks about the dynamic and changing nature of life and describes an analogy in which God is a banker from whom people make deposits and loans to, or from, life. Ms. Mellard concludes by explaining why the responsibility for her happiness rests at her own feet.

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Mickle, Joe J.

Joe Mickle, President of Centenary College, describes his enthusiasm for life and his gratitude for the sacrifices of previous generations, and states his belief that gratitude is linked to action, i.e., that an individual who is grateful lives to please God.

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Mills, Thelma

Educator, teacher, and social reformer Thelma Mills describes her philosophy of social service, as well as her beliefs in the personality of Jesus Christ, God’s eternal purpose for the universe, and her own role in living out that purpose by serving others.

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Montgomery, Ray

Ray Montgomery, an instructor at the University of Baltimore and a U.S. Navy veteran, describes his belief that there is God in all men and that people must strive to find this inner God to create a better world in which people can live peacefully together in equality and cooperation.

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Morrow, Robert D.

Robert Morrow, Superintendent of the Tucson Public Schools, describes being raised by a single mother and finding happiness in simple things, hard work, creative endeavors, and the goodness and generosity of others, despite the loss of a teenage son.


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Murray, Gilbert

Gilbert Murray, a professor of Greek and poetry, describes the religious importance of poetry in his life and how his experiences in WWI guided his efforts to prevent future war in his work with the League of Nations and beyond.

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Murray, Henry A. (Henry Alexander), 1893-1988

Henry Murray, psychologist and Professor of Social Relations at Harvard University, describes his belief that the world will not be able to progress and escape the threat of atomic war until a synthesized philosophy of eastern and western ideals can be adopted by thousands, and a world government achieved.

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Nason, John W.

John Nason, President of Swarthmore College, talks about the importance of education in creating a just and thoughtful society and adds that he believes these qualities of justice and goodness are an inherent part of the universe.

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Nelson, Edith L.

Edith Nelson talks about learning the Golden Rule early in life, the impact teaching has had on her life and the importance of kindness, friends, and families when struggling through adversity.

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Overstreet, H. A. (Harry Allen), 1875-1970

Harry Overstreet, author and Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Psychology at the City College of New York, 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 fellow human beings.

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Parrish, Charles Henry, 1899-1989

Charles Parrish, an African American sociology professor at the University of Louisville, 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.

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Pell, Walden, 1902-

Walden Pell, Headmaster of St. Andrew’s School, 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.

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Penfield, Wilder, 1891-1976

U.S.-born Wilder Penfield, Professor of Neurology at McGill University, describes his feeling of purpose and destiny when his boat was torpedoed during World War I and the relationship between science and religion.

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Pittenger, Lemuel Arthur, 1873-1953

L.A. Pittenger, President of Ball State University, 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 therapeutic effects of nature, in the importance of the family, and in the necessity of repaying one’s community with service.

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Read, Conyers, 1881-1959

Historian and University of Pennsylvania professor Conyers Reads 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.

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Resnick, Rose

Educator and pianist 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.

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Richie, David S., 1908-

David Richie, Executive Secretary of the Friends Social Order Committee of Philadelphia, 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.

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Rombeau, Anne

Anne Rombeau, lecturer and pilot, 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.

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Roy, Subodh Chandra, Dr.

Indian-born Dr. Subodh Chandra Roy, Professor of Philosophy at New School for Social Research, describes how his life changed when he became blind at age seven, and states his belief that suffering can cause personal growth.

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Saul, Leon J. (Leon Joseph), 1901-1983

Teacher and psychiatrist Dr. Saul’s 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.

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Savage, Susan

Teacher Susan Savage talks about the impact the death of her mother had on her and her beliefs.

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Schlesinger, Edmond R.

Austrian-born social worker and college professor 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.”

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Shaffer, Robert Howard, 1915-

Robert Shaffer, Assistant Dean of Students at University of Indiana-Bloomingdale, 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.

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Silverman, S. Richard (Sol Richard), 1911-

S. Richard Silverman, Director of the Central Institute for the Deaf and Professor of Audiology at Washington University, describes his belief in the significance of all people, even a deaf child, and the potential of anyone to accomplish change in the world.

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Simons, Hans, 1893-1972

German-born 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.

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Smith, Bradford, 1909-1964

Educator and author Bradford Smith describes his fascination with the universe and its creation and the importance of creativity in life, birth in general and in a person’s life, and that one must develop this creativity through social connections, democracy and love.

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Spalding, Howard G.

Educator 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.

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Spidell, Rosalie

Rosalie Spidell, secretary of the Florida Public Schools, 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.

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Stassen, Harold Edward, 1907-2001

Politician Harold Stassen, also President of the University of Pennsylvania, describes Albert Schweitzer’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.

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Stewart, Irvin, 1899-1990

Irvin Stewart, President of West Virginia University, 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.

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Strebel, Ralph F. (Ralph Frederick), b. 1894

Ralph Strebel, Academic Dean of Utica College, 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.

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Strickling, George F. (George Franklin), 1896-1985

Music teacher and composer 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.

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Taylor, Harold, 1914-1993

Harold Taylor, President of Sarah Lawrence College, expresses his belief in the essential goodness of people and their natures and describes his philosophy that quality of life and faith in the future is a consequence of developing this goodness to live in harmony with other people.

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Toland, Edward Dale, 1886-1964

Teacher Edward Toland describes how his experiences with a French mobile field hospital in WWI changed his perspective and led him to become a teacher after the war, and he describes his belief that loving humanity by practicing the Golden Rule is the best way in which to love God.

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Toynbee, Arnold, 1889-1975

Historian Arnold Toynbee describes his belief that human beings have no certain knowledge of right and wrong, yet must still attempt to live life unselfishly, and his belief that love provides life with purpose.

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Trilling, Louis R.

College teacher Louis Trilling talks about how beliefs change, particularly as one changes, and what is important is that one does have beliefs to follow and that in order to be happy and content, one should believe in something outside of oneself.

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Vining, Elizabeth Gray, 1902-1999

Elizabeth Vining, tutor to the crown prince of Japan, describes how she used to depend on human love for meaning and satisfaction till her husband was killed in an automobile accident, and then she came to believe in God’s love and the efficacy of prayer.

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Walsh, Catherine Flemming

Catherine Walsh, Assistant Professor at St. Louis University, describes her belief that it is impossible to be truly happy and states the importance of always making the best effort in what one does.

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Warren, Constance, 1880-1971

Constance Warren, President Emeritus of Sarah Lawrence College, discusses the importance of education to happiness and ethics and describes the values that have made her life a happy one.

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West, Guy A. (Guy Ashley), 1898-

Guy West, President of Sacramento State University, recounts how he first became aware of the immense size of the universe, and describes his beliefs in a God who designed and provides purpose for that universe.

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White, Goodrich C. (Goodrich Cook), b. 1889

Goodrich White, President of Emory University, describes the death of his son, and the immense grief of his wife, and his subsequent struggle with doubt and ultimate belief in God and life after death.

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White, Gilbert F.

Gilbert F. White, geographer and President of Haverford College, describes his experiences as a geographer and student of earth’s natural laws, and his belief that the divine spark within every person necessitates brotherhood, tolerance, humble service, and a commitment to search for truth.

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Williams, Alfred Hector, 1893-1974

Banker and educator Alfred Williams explains his belief that we all perceive the world differently and so we need to try to approach one another with empathy, respect, and compassion, and that this attitude is particularly important in the American business world where people spend such a great deal of time and attention.

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Yoder, Hilda Widener

Reading teacher Hilda Yoder describes how she used to emphasize marriage and financial security, only to lose both her husband and home; she describes how she found purpose and healing in serving others; and she states her beliefs in virtues of kindness, forgiveness, simplicity, and humility that are still practiced by children (and should be practiced by adults).

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Ziebarth, E. W. (Elmer William), 1910-

E.W. Ziebarth, Professor and Chair of the Speech Department at the University of Minnesota, describes being challenged in high school to write out his beliefs and finds that, years later, his beliefs are just as difficult to pin down; nevertheless, he firmly believes in freedom, the worth and dignity of the individual, and the need to receive generalizations and propaganda with a healthy dose of skepticism.

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