Immigrants & Children of Immigrants

Abrams, Charles, 1902-1970

Polish-born lawyer and author Charles Abrams tells of his faith in man despite his frequent uncertainty when confronted with the realities of war, greed and other instances of human weakness. However, he remains devoted to the ability of man to rely on his conscience to someday improve and perfect the world in which we live.

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Abū Shādī, Aḥmad Zakī, 1892-1955

Egyptian-born poet and bacteriologist Ahmad Zaki Abu Shadi describes his belief in freedom and justice, first developed through books, and then strengthened through his own life experiences that caused him to leave Egypt and ultimately move to the United States.

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Astor, Nancy Witcher Langhorne Astor, Viscountess, 1879-1964

Viscountess Astor, an American-born Member of Parliament in the British House of Commons, recounts growing up in Virginia and being influenced by the faith of her African American nurse, and states her belief that the English-speaking people are the hope of the world because the Bible has been translated into their common language, that individuals don’t start life on an equal plane because of socioeconomic disadvantages, that one needs the doctrine of the fatherhood of God in order to believe in the brotherhood of humanity, that Mary Eddy Baker’s vision has brought healing, and that Christ’s message will bring peace on Earth.

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

British-born economist Kenneth Boulding 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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Bronowski, Jacob, 1908-1974

Polish-born biologist and dramatist Jacob Bronowski (immigrant to Great Britain) describes his simultaneous introduction to mathematics and the English language, his love that developed for both subjects, and his belief in using one’s mind to find truth.

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Chyz, Yaroslav J., 1894-1958

Ukrainian-born journalist Yaroslav Chyz runs through many of the simple adages he lives by, but emphasizes that underlying them all is the “Golden Rule.”

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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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Deutsch, Elizabeth

Austrian-born Elizabeth Deutsch describes her youthful search for beliefs, which has brought her into contact with many churches and thinkers, and her conclusion that she would live her life the same way whether a Deity exists or not.

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Gopalakrishnan, R.

Indian-born Harvard Law student 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.

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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Gruenberg, Sidonie Matsner, 1881-1974

Austrian-born author 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.

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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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Hagen, Uta, 1919-2004

German-born actor 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.

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Hauke, E.B.

Norwegian-born public officer 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, the wise use of resources, tolerance, kindness, humility, and the brotherhood of humanity.

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Heard, Gerald, 1889-1971

British-born author 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.

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Hersholt, Jean, 1886-1956

Danish-born radio actor 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. He notes that the world would be a better place if people remembered that they were in fact neighbors.

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Hodder, Maximilian

Polish-born filmmaker 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.

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Hubben, William, 1895-1974

German-born newspaper editor 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.

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Hughes, John

Irish-born John Hughes talks about living honestly as a taxicab driver in New York City.

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Hurok, Sol, 1888-1974

Ukrainian-born impresario 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.

Huxley, Aldous, 1894-1963

British-born novelist 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.

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Iglesias, Antonio

Mexican-born author and journalist Antonio Iglesias describes how his three ideals (the search for truth, a love for beauty, and a reverence for goodness) have offered him strength, certainty and motivation to pursue life despite depression, physical handicaps, suffering, loneliness, and moral indifference.

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Katkov, Norman

Ukrainian-born author Norman Katkov describes his belief in the internal struggle between good and evil and his belief that conscience will help a person to overcome that evil.

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Kristoffersen, Magnus K.

Danish-born librarian 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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Laing, Nora

South African-born journalist Nora Laing describes the process of how she came to believe in the immortality of the soul and in a life’s purpose that extended beyond fulfilling physical needs and desires.

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

British-born English teacher John Lester 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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Linkletter, Art, 1912-2010

Canadian-born entertainer Art Linkletter talks about his experiences in the entertainment industry as a host and announcer and how his focus on his own abilities, limits and performance, as well as his appreciation of people, have contributed to his success.

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Lloyd, Frank, 1887-1960

British-born motion picture producer Frank Lloyd recounts how he met his wife through a series of events, and describes his beliefs that trying to flout God’s rule leads to disappointment and regret and that human beings are created in God’s image with an innate sense of religion and understanding of right and wrong.

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

British-born sociologist Robert MacIver 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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Mardikian, George M., 1903-

Armenian-born restaurateur George Mardikian describes his Armenian custom of serving the staff of his restaurant on Christmas Day, his imprisonment and escape from Armenia, and the welcome and success he found in America.

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Mann, Thomas, 1875-1955

German-born author Thomas Mann discusses the impermanence and transitory nature of life and explains why these qualities makes life special and valuable, and why man’s awareness of impermanence elevates his spirit.

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Menzies, P. K.

Canadian-born surgeon P. K. Menzies describes his belief in the physician’s responsibility to treat his patients with respect and dignity, and explains how his study of the intricate workings of the human body formed his belief that the universe must have been designed by a “supreme architect.”

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Mitropoulos, Dimitri, 1896-1960

Greek-born conductor Dimitri Mitropolous describes two experiences that led him to his belief that talent and celebrity should be used to help others.
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Peters, Rollo

French-born theatrical director 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.

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Pons, Lily, 1898-1976

French-born soprano Lily Pons describes how she learned to deal with stage fright, and how an inner voice helped her persevere to become an opera singer.
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Richter, Mischa, 1910-2001

Russian-born cartoonist Mischa Richter describes his youth and early career as an artist and the importance of generosity and humor.

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Rieder, Edmond

French-born hotelier 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 personal satisfaction.

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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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Schlesinger, Edmond R.

Austrian-born Edmond Schlesinger, Professor of Languages and Humanities at the University of Louisville, 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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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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Stacy-Judd, Robert

British-born architect 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.
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Taylor, Harold, 1914-1993

Canadian-born educator Harold Taylor 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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Trapp, Maria Augusta

Austrian-born Maria Trapp describes how she and her husband attempted to understand the Gospels’ instructions to “become like little children” and, by observing their own children, came to the conclusion that children live wholeheartedly in the present without worrying about the past or future.

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Watson, Lucile, 1879-1962

Canadian-born actor Lucile Watson recounts her childhood discovery of the knowledge that she could change herself for the better, and, after successes with simple things such as maintaining her hair and quitting nail-biting, she developed a philosophy for life, including a belief that God was in everything and made everything.
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Weinreb, Joseph

Austrian-born psychiatrist Joseph Weinreb reflects on ethics and morality and resolves that nothing is created bad or evil but becomes so through misdirection; and love, compassion, and hard work are means by which we can achieve a harmonious world.

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Werner, Herbert L.

German-born Herbert Werner, head of Werner Textile Consultants, would like to add an eleventh commandment: to be kind to everyone. He also explains why kindness is important and how following this commandment has positively affected his life.

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Winston, Helen, 1925-1972

Canadian-born actor Helen Winston describes her experiences of trying to become an actress (working as a waitress in order to study people) and states her beliefs that there is a little bit of godliness in every person, that individuals have a basic impulse towards virtue, and that it is important to value the beauty and love available in the present moment.

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Worthington, E. Barton (Edgar Barton), 1905-

British-born scientist Dr. Edgar Worthington describes his belief in the mutability of beliefs and how his personal beliefs evolved out of traditional religious dogma into a wider appreciation for nature and beauty and principles irrespective of doctrine. He also describes his perspective of Africa as an European immigrant to the continent.

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Domich, Dain J.

Dain Domich, the son of a Yugoslavian immigrant, describes how momentos from his work with the Junior Commerce (a Bible and American flag) remind him of his belief that faith in God is what provides meaning to life, and his belief in American freedom and democracy.

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Drake, Alfred, 1914-1992

Actor and theater director Alfred Drake, the son of Italian immigrants, describes his belief that life is like a tight-rope act he witnessed as a child: that individuals are constantly wavering between good and evil in an upward fight against gravity, but ultimately good will win.

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Edelman, Maurice, 1911-1975

Politician Maurice Edelman, the son of Russian and Polish immigrants to Great Britain, describes the 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.

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Eristoff, Anne

Anne Eristoff, a student at Bryn Mawr College and daughter of a Georgian immigrant, 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.

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Holmstrom, Andrew B.

Andrew Holmstrom, mayor of Worcester, Massachusetts, 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.
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Rosenblum, Sidney

Businessman Sidney Rosenblum, the son of Jewish immigrants (origin unknown), 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.
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