Politics, Government, & Law
Essays by speakers in politics, law, or government professions.
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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Allen, Florence Ellinwood, 1884-1966
Judge Florence Allen explains her worry over the “deterioration of the human spirit” and 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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Allman, Robert G., 1919-1994
Lawyer Robert Allman explains why losing his sight endowed him with an appreciation for life and how he learned to believe in himself and adapt and adjust to reality.
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Andrade, Víctor, 1905-
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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Angell, Norman, 1874-1967
Journalist, author, and Member of the British Parliament Norman Angell describes his belief that evil will triumph over good in society unless individuals recognize their own personal capacity for evil and strive to overcome this tendency through self-discipline.
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Astor, Nancy Witcher Langhorne Astor, Viscountess, 1879-1964
Viscountess Astor, a 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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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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Bennett, Charles E., 1910-2003
Congressman Charles Bennett (a U.S. Representative from Florida’s 2nd and 3rd district), explains the importance of loyalty in Congress and in combat and also states his belief that individuals must repent for one’s sins and develop a strong faith in order to make the world a peaceful place.
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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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Beveridge, William Henry Beveridge, Baron, 1879-1963
Journalist, economist, lawyer, and author Lord Beveridge states his belief in “vicarious immortality” and in the value both in leaving a legacy of virtue and in following the legacy left by Christ the man.
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Birkett, Norman Birkett, Baron, 1883-1962
Lord Birkett, Lord Justice of Appeal, explains that, despite his firsthand experiences at Nuremberg, he still has faith in the inherent goodness of people and their ability to progress towards a peaceful future.
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Bolton, Frances Payne Bingham, 1885-1977
Francis Bolton, U.S. Representative from Ohio, 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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Bonham Carter, Violet, 1887-1969
Violet Bonham Carter, Vice President of the Liberal Party in Great Britain, describes her Prime Minister father’s influence on her life; and states her belief in the “absolute value of truth,” in the diverse means (religion, philosophy, poetry, nature) of arriving at that truth, and in the courage to think honestly.
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Boothby, Robert John Graham, Baron, 1900-1986
Member of the British Parliament Robert Boothby discusses the incomprehensibility of life and the Universe and describes his efforts to improve society and life through politics and economics.
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Bowles, Chester, 1901-1986
Chester Bowles, former Governor of Connecticut and U.S. ambassador to India, describes his belief that an adequate response to the threat of the nuclear age will require cooperation from all sectors of humanity, and that the issue of world poverty must be addressed.
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Brabazon, John Theodore Cuthbert Moore-Brabazon, Baron, 1884-1964
Lord Brabazon, Minister of Transport and Minister of Aircraft Production, describes his beliefs that a divine, omnipotent Jesus is also an individual’s personal link to God, that Jesus visited England, that merit should be based on intelligence or character rather than birth, that extraterrestrial life does not exist, that humans have and must take responsibility for their free will, and that the English-speaking perspective and moral code is the best yet produced.
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Brewster, Neal
Neal Brewster, lawyer and Comptroller of the City of Syracuse, uses the Parable of the Talents to describe his belief that he must live his life to the fullest, pursuing friendships rather than material wealth.
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Cleveland, Harlan
Magazine editor and public official Harlan Cleveland describes his beliefs as “ideas that I’m willing to do some thing about” and recounts the satisfaction he derives from helping others achieve basic needs such as justice, security, and a sense of achievement.
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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.
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Dalley, Frank, 1913-1990
Frank Dalley, Office Manager at the Utah Department of Employment Security, recounts his experiences in the Korean War and how he relied on prayer for guidance and his determination to try to help others and relieve human suffering in whatever way he could.
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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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Douglas, Paul H. (Paul Howard), 1892-1976
U.S. Senator from Illinois Paul Douglas 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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Douglas, William O. (William Orville), 1898-1980
Justice Douglas, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, explains his father’s last words and why faith, like his father’s, is necessary to ensure freedom and guide people and nations through difficult times.
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Earle, Genevieve B.
New York City Councilwoman Genevieve B. Earle remembers the surprise of seeing poverty as a child and how she developed a belief in the benefits of a strong government to promote laws and provide for its citizens although she says that can only happen when the people are engaged as active, equal partners in the work of a city.
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Edelman, Maurice, 1911-1975
Politician Maurice Edelman describes his youthful ideal of creating a more just society that prompted him to go into British politics, his eventual disillusionment and cynicism, and the reawakening of his ideal through a visit to the site of Struthof, a former Nazi concentration camp.
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Evans, Harold
Lawyer Harold Evans recalls his relationship with Count Bernadotte who was assassinated while a Mediator on a U.N. peace keeping effort, and compares him with President Abraham Lincoln as two men with conviction, faith, and integrity and as examples of the type of individuals to whom people can look in order to create prosperity and peace in the world for everyone.
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Grady, Henry Francis, 1882-1957
Diplomat Henry Grady describes some of his experiences as a diplomat, particularly during race riots in India between Hindus and Muslims, and explains why to live a good life with dignity one must follow the Golden Rule and “Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself.”
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Hailsham of St. Marylebone, Quintin Hogg, Baron, 1907-2001
British politician Viscount Hailsham considers and rejects the idea of materialism and embraces an immaterial universe at the center of which is Jesus Christ who can redeem the suffering and sins of mankind.
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Hamilton, Mary Agnes, 1884-1966
Journalist Mary Agnes Hamilton, former Labour Member of the British Parliament, describes her belief in the soul and the bond it creates between fellow human beings, and her belief in absolute values that remains strong despite the evils of Nazism and Communism.
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Hammarskjöld, Dag, 1905-1961
Swedish Secretary General of the United Nations Dag Hammarskjöld describes his beliefs in the value of self-sacrifice and service to country and humanity, in the equality of individuals, in the importance of intellectual honesty, and in the rewards of selfless love and duty.
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Hampton, Wade B.
Lawyer Wade Hampton lists his beliefs, some of which are humility, faith, and respect for others, and the moral order of the universe.
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Hauke, E. B.
E. B. Hauke, former City Treasurer of Astoria, Oregon and 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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Hays, Arthur Garfield, 1881-1954
Arthur Hays, General Counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union, speaks about his belief in freedom and the importance of democratic values and ideals in maintaining liberty.
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Hoey, Clyde Roark, 1877-1954
Clyde Hoey, U.S. Senator from North Carolina, describes how his faith in God helped him to overcome childhood fears of walking home in the dark, and supported him through life’s challenges, a happy marriage, and the death of his spouse.
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Holmstrom, Andrew B.
Andrew Holmstrom, Mayor of Worcester, Massachusetts and Vice President of the Norton Company (machine tool manufacturing company), 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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Isaacs, Stanley M. (Stanley Myer), 1882-1962
New York City Councilman Stanley Isaacs talks about his dedication and enthusiasm for politics and civic engagement and expresses how his faith in Judaism supports his beliefs in democratic values like liberty and individuality.
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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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Joubert de la Ferté, Philip, Sir, b. 1887
Indian-born Sir Philip Joubert, Director of Public Relations in the Air Ministry, describes his beliefs in the goodness of humans, in the importance of self-sacrifice and duty, and in the uncertainty of believing in the simple faith of the past.
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Khan, Muhammad Zafrulla, 1893-1985
Pakistani Foreign Minister Muhammad Zafrulla Khan speaks about his faith in Islam; the religious beliefs he holds; the religious life he follows; and his relationship with his God.
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Klacsman, Joseph J.
Former sportswriter and lawyer Joseph Klacsman describes his simple faith and the happiness he derives from serving a wide variety of passengers during his work as a Pullman conductor.
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Klutznick, Philip M., 1907-1999
Lawyer, social reformer, and housing developer Philip Klutznick 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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Kreuzer, Melanie
Melanie Kreuzer, Syracuse Common Council member, describes the responsibilities that come with parenthood and community service.
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Kyrou, Alexēs Adōnidos, 1901-1969
Greek diplomat Alexis Kyrou explains the confluence of belief and knowledge and the importance of his Greek heritage to his beliefs and enumerates what some of these beliefs are: cooperation, the importance of a spiritual life, patriotism, and respect for others.
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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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Lawrence, Geoffrey, Baron Oaksey, 1880-1971
Geoffrey Lawrence emphasizes the importance of keeping one’s values strong but simple so that they may remain solid, and also to be conscious of right and wrong, and also to be aware of opportunity or “luck,” then concludes with a poem by Adam Lindsey Gordon.
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Lehman, Herbert H. (Herbert Henry), 1878-1963
Former Governor of New York, U.S. Senator, and partner at the Lehman Brothers investment banking firm, Herbert Lehman describes his two basic beliefs: first, one should give back to society according to what he or she has received, and secondly, one should extend respect to the opinions and beliefs of others.
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Levy, David J.
David Levy, Deputy District Attorney of Contra Costa County, describes how he learned level-headed contentment in order to survive as a POW on the Death March of Bataan during WWII.
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Littleton, Martin W. (Martin Wilson), 1897-
Lawyer, rancher, and public prosecutor Martin Littleton describes an experience in which he flunked a college exam rather than give in to the temptation to cheat, and how that lesson in integrity provided the framework for living a life of personal, inner satisfaction
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Lloyd George, Megan, 1902-1966
British politician Megan Lloyd George states how her generation, which grew up during WWI, has never known true peace, and describes her belief that one’s perspective will never be quite accurate without a spiritual component.
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Lukas, Edwin J. (Edwin Jay), 1902-1973
Edwin Lukas, lawyer and Director of the Civil Rights Division of the American Jewish Committee, speaks about the importance of tolerance and respect for other people, cultures and races and the negative impact prejudice can have on an individual and a community.
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Maxwell-Fyfe, David, 1900-1967
David Maxwell-Fyfe, British Home Secretary and Minister for Welsh Affairs, describes his beliefs in the faith of a romantic: a faith with the conviction and idealism to address the problems of the age and which recognizes humanity’s need for spiritual advancement, in addition to scientific and material achievement.
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McAlpin, Harry S.
Harry McAlpin, a journalist and lawyer, describes his belief in the importance of justice and equality, and the challenges of living that creed as an African American in America.
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Millen, Herbert E.
Judge Millen, an African American Philadelphia judge, describes how, despite his experience as a judge with the bad side of people, he still maintains an optimistic belief in the overall goodness of people, and while he still becomes discouraged and impatient with prejudice, his religion gives him comfort and support.
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Mehta, G. L. (Gaganvihari Lallubhai), 1900-1974
Indian ambassador to the United States G.L. Mehta describes his belief in the importance of peace of mind, attainable through humility, patience, perspective, and a sense of humor.
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Morris, Newbold
Lawyer and politician Newbold Morris describes the American spirit and how that spirit is exemplified though progressive, democratic values and their corresponding government programs.
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Notowidigdo, Moekarto, 1911-
Indonesian Foreign Minister Moekarto Notowidigdo describes being in jail during the Indonesian push for independence, and witnessing the camaraderie of prisoners from all socioeconomic statuses, which led them to sing the Indonesian National Anthem during an execution.
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Nottingham, Karl D.
Karl Nottingham, a legislator and farmer, explains our duty to adjust to society and some ways to do so such as; observing the Golden Rule, treating others with kindness, and helping those less fortunate, earning trust through friendship.
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Petersen, Howard C. (Howard Charles), 1910-
Howard Petersen, President of Fidelity Philadelphia Trust Company and former Assistant Secretary of War, 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.
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Powers, Robert B.
Police officer and author 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.
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Romulo, Carlos P. (Carlos Peña), 1899-1985
Philippines Ambassador to the United States 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 to win the election.
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Roosevelt, Eleanor, 1884-1962
Former First Lady 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.
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Simon, Caroline K. (Caroline Klein)
Lawyer Caroline Simon emphasizes the dignity of all people and talks briefly about her work with the New York State Commission Against Discrimination.
Simon, John Allsebrook Simon, Viscount, 1873-1954
British lawyer and politician Viscount Simon describes his belief that life is like a train which must come to an end at some point during the journey, but an individual should not view life with dread, even if he does not believe in an afterlife.
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Sinclair, John S. (John Stephens), 1897-1972
Banker, lawyer, insurance executive, and businessman 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.
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Smith, Margaret Chase, 1897-1995
Margaret Chase Smith, U.S. Senator from Maine, 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 to honestly hold unpopular beliefs, the right to protest orderly, and the right of independent thought.
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Sneed, Edward R.
Lawyer 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.
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Spender, Percy
Australian ambassador to the United States, Percy Spenders explains how and why it is important for people to consider the future one is leaving for the following generation and states his belief that it is our duty to create a better world in which the next generation can live without fear.
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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 “reverence for life,” and from this explains why people yearn for freedom and dictatorships can never stop this yearning.
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Stevens, Lewis Miller, 1898-1963
Lawyer and Philadelphia City Council member 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.
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Stevenson, Adlai E. (Adlai Ewing), 1900-1965
Adlai Stevenson, former Governor of Illinois and U.S. Presidential candidate, 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.
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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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Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972
Harry Truman, 33rd President of the United States, states that his moral code is based upon the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount, and describes his beliefs in the duty of a public official to work for the public welfare; in the value of the civil rights movement; and in the importance of preserving civil liberties, democracy, and freedom.
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Tsiang, Tingfu F. (Tingfu Fuller), 1895-1965
Tinfu Tsiang, Representative of China to the United Nations and Director of Political Affairs of the Executive Yuan, describes his belief that China and the West each have valuable cultural insight to offer the other, and that the way to world peace is to focus on utilizing existing resources more efficiently and to preserve human freedom in one’s home country.
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Vansittart, Robert Gilbert Vansittart, Baron, 1881-1957
Diplomat and author Lord Vansittart describes his belief that there is no compromise possible between good and evil, and that an individual must make a stand against evil.
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Wehle, Louis B. (Louis Brandeis), 1880-1959
Lawyer Louis Wehle describes the concept of spiritual perfection, and while this goal may be unattainable, the pursuit is worthwhile, and this is the only effort that can give true and enduring satisfaction.
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Weil, Frank L. (Frank Leopold), 1894-1957
Social reformer and lawyer Frank Weil describes his beliefs that one must earn future privileges through the work of today, that belief in the future provides strength for meeting the challenges of today, and that people in general have the wisdom and integrity to achieve a better tomorrow.
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Winsor, Curtin, d. 1998
Lawyer Curtin Winsor tells of the importance of individualism and being true to himself in the development of his beliefs and describes what some of those beliefs are.
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Winton, David J., 1897-
Business professional and public servant 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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Woodcock, George, 1904-1979
Trade unionist George Woodcock describes the experiences he had growing up that led him to the belief in fairness and justice and also propelled him towards involvement in the labor movement.
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Yang, You Chan, 1897-
You Chan Yang, surgeon and South Korean ambassador to the United States, describes his hope that he has made a difference in the lives of injured or disabled persons during his tenure on earth, and relates a story in which a boy discovers that only God knows the definition of goodness.
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