Midwest
Essays by speakers from the Midwest region of the United States.
Illinois
Alschuler, Rose H. (Rose Haas), 1887-1979
Author and educator 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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Bartlett, Florence Dibell, 1882-1954
Philanthropist and art collector Florence Bartlett describes how her belief in the unity of humanity developed during an encounter with Bedouins in the Sahara desert, and explains her decision to create a museum of folk art, which expresses that bond of unity between peoples.
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Borton, Elon G.
Advertising businessman Elon Borton envies his father’s unwavering faith in God and explains his own evolving faith in God: that He has a plan and a purpose for everyone.
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Carpenter, Ellen Waller
Ellen Carpenter, musician and wife of composer John Alden Carpenter, describes her belief that prayer works and that the answer to the poverty and problems of the world is a spiritual one.
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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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Klutznick, Philip M., 1907-1999
Housing developer and lawyer Philip Klutznick, International President of B’nai B’rith, describes his beliefs in the importance of formal religion, the need to view “charity” as “doing justice,” the need to view life as full of opportunities rather than troubles, and the importance of planned communities that preserve a sense of human dignity.
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Percy, Charles H., 1919-2011
Businessman 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.
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Thomas, Benjamin Platt, 1902-1956
Historian Lincoln Benjamin Thomas describes how his study of Abraham Lincoln helped him believe that there is a universal struggle between good and evil, and that acknowledging our own imperfections helps us to be tolerant of others.
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Indiana
Ball, Edmund F.
Industrialist Edmund Ball, President of the Ball Brothers Company, describes his belief that, though he doesn’t believe in a personal being who directs specific life events, there is still an overall plan to the world, and individuals must act as “trustees” to make the best use of the opportunities they have received in life.
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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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Nottingham, Karl D.
Karl Nottingham explains our duty to adjust to society and some ways to do so such as the following: observing the Golden Rule, treating others with kindness, helping those less fortunate, and earning trust through friendship.
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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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Root, E. Merrill (Edward Merrill), 1895-1973
Poet and editor 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.
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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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Iowa
Boyd, Harry
Harry Boyd, Editor of the Cedar Rapids Gazette, discusses curiosity and how it is important to development and progress, and, despite failures, why he always makes his best effort at success.
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Kansas
Landon, Alfred M. (Alfred Mossman), 1887-1987
Former Governor of Kansas and U.S. Presidential candidate Alfred Landon describes his belief in the ability of people to achieve monumental progress for society, and in the need to maintain a grasp of spiritual and moral truths in the midst of that progress.
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Long, Sylvester, 1875-1956
Businessman and lecturer Sylvester Long recounts his experiences growing up in an Ohio farming family, and describes his belief that he is merely a “window” through which to reveal God’s light to others and God’s “subcontractor” whose work is done ultimately for and with God.
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Murdock, Marcellus M. (Marcellus Marion), 1883-1970
Marcellus Murdock, publisher of the Wichita Eagle, remembers a near-death experience while flying that was a catalyst for transforming his beliefs from a materialist view of life to a spiritual one.
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Wilson, Claire D.
Claire Wilson, President of the Vernon Oil and Gas Company, talks about his optimism and faith, his belief in the responsibility of the individual to improve themselves for the good of society, altruism, and the impact of meditation and trips to the mountains on his serenity and peace of mind.
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Michigan
Boulding, Kenneth E. (Kenneth Ewart), 1910-1993
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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Davenport, Barbara Dean
Fashion designer and lecturer Barbara Davenport states her belief that world peace can be achieved through a shifting of focus towards the oneness (rather than difference) of humanity.
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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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Simons, Leonard N., 1904-
Advertising executive 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.
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Starr, Floyd Elliot, 1883-1980
Social worker Starr Floyd 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.
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Minnesota
Binder, Carroll, 1896-1956
Carroll Binder, editorial editor of the Minneapolis Tribune, relates his personal tragedies and the principles he relies on to avoid cynicism and maintain the enjoyment of life through adversity.
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Cornelius, John C.
Advertising executive John Cornelius describes the two sayings that have stayed with him, “All things are great and small by comparison” and “service is the rent we pay for the space we occupy,” and concludes by emphasizing the importance of supporting and educating youth to fight Communism.
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Hauke, E. B.
E. B. Hauke, National Vice Chairman of the American Relief for Norway, describes how his beliefs were shaped by his experiences as an immigrant trying to achieve a better way of life: as a result, he believes in frugality, wise use of resources, tolerance, kindness, humility, and the brotherhood of humanity.
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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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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.
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Winton, David J., 1897-
Industrialist David J. Winton describes his faith in the future, his belief that material gains do not yield lasting satisfaction, his belief in the potential of people to achieve greatness, and his advice for focusing on the present rather than dwelling on past failures.
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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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Missouri
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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Hickey, Margaret
Margaret Hickey, Public Affairs Editor of the Ladies Home Journal, recalls her childhood when her father read the Bible to the family, and describes how her faith must be an active one of service.
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James, William F.
William James, Founder of Boy’s Town in St. Louis, Missouri, describes how an experience during World War II gave him a belief in his dependence on God and an appreciation for life, and how he strives to be sensitive to others’ beliefs and avoid speaking unkindly to them.
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Jones, Morton T., b. 1892
Insurance executive Morton Jones describes how he learned to rely on God’s help for the moment at hand, and his belief that God’s daily guidance removes fear about the future.
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Palmer, Paul, Mrs. (Georgia)
Homemaker 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.”
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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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Vierheller, George P.
George Vierheller, Director of the St. Louis Zoological Gardens, describes his beliefs in the importance of individual achievement, self-improvement, service to others, family, and friendship.
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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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Ohio
Allen, Florence Ellinwood, 1884-1966
Judge Florence Allen explains her worry over the “deterioration of the human spirit,” and states her belief that faith and intelligence and the fair application of law may restore the human spirit and through law create a peaceful planet.
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Barnes, Paul
Advertising copywriter Paul Barnes relates a series of experiences in which he was helped by people of differing religious faith, socioeconomic status, political affiliation or skin color, and how these experiences affirm his belief in the essential goodness of people.
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Benesch, Alfred A. (Alfred Abraham) 1879-1973
Lawyer Alfred Benesch describes the inspiration for his dedication to his community and some of the rewards in addition to why it is important for him and other people to engage in social and community service.
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Besse, Ralph M., 1905-
Ralph Besse, lawyer and Vice President of the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, explains that he believes in God because it is the only explanation that makes sense of the world to him, and states that it is important to know God personally and work toward achieving God’s purposes.
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Bolton, Frances Payne Bingham, 1885-1977
Legislator Francis Bolton explains how her mother’s death prompted her to search for truth, and describes her beliefs that all life is part of a Universal Life, that progress and achievement come after suffering and darkness, and that human beings have evolved out of the essence of God and will ultimately be reabsorbed into God’s Being.
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Brown, Dale
Banker Dale Brown describes his belief that he must repay the debt he owes to his community through service to others in the community, as well as his belief that we must strive for tolerance, limiting anger and listening to others.
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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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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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Dobbs, Catherine R.
Ohio State Senator Catherine Dobbs describes her beliefs that the Golden Rule teaches her how to live life, that nature’s laws underlie the basic circumstances of life, that individuals are created in the image of God, that human nature is capable of great kindness and great cruelty, and that personal freedom is a right which comes from God.
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Howey, Ella Mae
Lecturer Ella Mae Howey states her belief in a personal, loving God who provides abundant life opportunities, and describes how learning to manage her condition of hearing loss taught her to believe in her power to respond positively to life’s challenges.
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Ingram, Billy, 1880-1966
Edgar William “Billy” Ingram, founder of White Castle restaurants, describes his belief that humans need companionship, that life has a purpose, and that success and happiness come through contributing the sum of human achievement.
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Liggett, Carr, 1894-1977
Advertising executive Carr Liggett describes his belief that Jesus’ Gospel is the way to happiness, and his uncertainties regarding the faith of his parents, as well as his beliefs in the importance of freedom, in accepting life and the world as we find it, and in tolerating and understanding others.
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Milliken, William Mathewson, 1889-1978
William Milliken, Director of the Cleveland Museum of Art, describes his grandfather and mother’s legacy of service to others, and his attempts to follow the same philosophy.
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Neal-Martin, Marie
Publisher and editor Marie Neal-Martin describes how she inherited from her mother and grandmother her beliefs in people, the Golden Rule, her country, and God by describing her mother’s attitude in adversity and her grandmother’s life after the Civil War.
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Patterson, Grove, 1881-1956
Newspaper editor 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.
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Reiling, Walter A.
Surgeon Walter Reiling, President of Optimist International, 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.
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Seltzer, Louis Benson, 1897-1980
Louis Seltzer, Editor-in-Chief of the Cleveland Press, 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.
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Seymour, Arthur G., Mrs.
Mrs. Arthur Seymour, Secretary to the Federation of Women’s Clubs of Greater Cleveland, describes her belief in the power of offering friendship to lonely women, and her attempts to do so.
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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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Taft, Charles P. (Charles Phelps), 1897-1983
Lawyer and politician Charles Taft talks about God’s love and the necessity to strive to be worthy of His love but understanding one’s imperfections as well, and how he tries to connect the sublime with the more practical aspects of life through hard work and introspection.
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Williams, Clyde, 1873-1954
Scientist Clyde Williams describes his belief that happiness comes through accomplishing the work one is meant to do, and relates how his work at the Battelle Institute has helped him to find satisfaction in life.
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Wisconsin
Agard, Walter R. (Walter Raymond), 1894-1978
Walter Agard, Professor of Classics at the University of Wisconsin, describes his boyhood practice of gazing at the stars, enthralled by the universal order they represented, and states his beliefs in justice, equality, human achievement in the arts and literature, diversity, tolerance, and the value of education.
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