Publishing & Writing
Essays by speakers in publishing or writing 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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Abū Ḥadīd, Muḥammad Farīd
Muhammad Farid Abu Hadid, author and 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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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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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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Andrews, Mae E.
Society editor and magazine contributor Mae E. Andrews describes how her faith in God sustained her during the death of her sister from cancer.
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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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Angell, Roger
Author and magazine editor Roger Ansell describes his belief in the need for skepticism rather than arrogant certainty, in his hope that civilization will advance through the current anxious age, in the importance of seeing society’s maturation as a point yet to come in the future, in the realization of the humanity of others, and in the refreshing openness of children.
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Barry, Gerald Reid, Sir, 1898-
Journalist and magazine editor Sir Gerald Barry talks about the changes in the world after World War II, his relationship to Christianity, and his belief that since there is no life after death, one must appreciate and live one’s own life to the fullest extent.
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Baxter, James Phinney, 1893-1975
Historian and author James Baxter, President of Williams College, describes his belief that the source of a country’s freedom is its religion.
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Bee, Clair, 1900-
Author and basketball coach Clair Bee talks about some of his experiences and hardships coaching and working with youth and the faith in youth that has developed from these experiences.
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Bennett, Melba Berry
Author and community leader Melba Bennett discusses the difficulty she had in finding her place in life and how she finally found it through service to others and faith.
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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Bolitho, Hector, 1897-1974
New Zealand-born author Hector Bolitho describes how he came to value solitude and leisure over the fear of being alone and the desire to be in constant competition with others.
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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, Margery Finn
Journalist, author, and Army spouse Margery Brown describes her beliefs in God, in the existence of a soul, in the satisfaction of contributing to life, and in the value of humility.
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Buck, Pearl S. (Pearl Sydenstricker), 1892-1973
Author Pearl S. Buck finds her faith in humanity to be stronger than ever, shares her affinity for life, and believes that cooperation can solve the world’s problems.
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Burman, Ben Lucien, 1896-1984
Journalist and author Ben Burman describes his beliefs in the value of kindness, the importance of striving for artistic excellence, and the utility of humor as an anecdote to pretension and tyranny.
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Cantrell, Hadley
Hadley Cantrell, author and 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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Carmer, Carl, 1893-1976
Poet, author, and editor Carl Carmer remembers the education his father gave him as a child by introducing him to different people and how he developed an appreciation for the “wisdom of the people.”
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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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Coker, Elizabeth Boatwright
Novelist Elizabeth Coker describes how an accident left her face disfigured, and the how the process of exerting extra effort to overcome her self-consciousness developed in her a love for people, a respect for tolerance, and a joy in laughter.
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Cousins, Norman - “A Game of Cards”
Norman Cousins, editor of the Saturday Review of Literature, elaborates on the play of free will and determinism in the development of people and society and the detrimental affects fear can have on this development.
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Cousins, Norman - “This I Believe”
Norman Cousins, editor of the Saturday Review of Literature, describes his beliefs in both the individuality of the self and the unity of all humanity, as well as in a moral order derived from universal order; therefore, the poverty of others impacts his own condition, and he works to alleviate social problems.
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Cranston, Ruth
Author and lecturer Ruth Cranston describes how a period of questioning and her world travels helped her to develop a set of beliefs which she found common to all religions: the unity of life; the interdependence of humanity; and the need to love and serve others, protect the weak, and live a non-violent life.
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Daily, Starr
Author and lecturer Starr Daily describes how he reversed his life from one of criminal activity based upon ill will towards society to one of responsibility based upon good will.
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Daniels, Jonathan, 1902-1981
Newspaper editor and author Johnathan Daniels relates a story from his religious upbringing about the remarkable testimonials told in his religious community and explains that equality of all men before God is what drew him to the Episcopalian Church.
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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.
Day, Donald, 1899–1991
Author Donald Day describes his beliefs in democracy, in receiving and giving creative fulfillment in marriage, in the importance of ensuring that personal success promotes the success of society, and in replacing impersonal material giving with the personal gift of service.
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Day Lewis, C. (Cecil), 1904-1972
Irish-born poet and author Cecil Day Lewis describes faith as the core of an individual’s being, and states his faith (defined thusly) as the creation of poems.
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De La Torre, Lillian, 1902-1993
Author, dramatist, and actor Lillian McCue (pseudonym Lillian De La Torre) describes how growing up in a family of seven children shaped her beliefs that she must carry her own weight in the world, that being angry only hurt herself, that it is important to be needed, and that happiness is a habit.
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Dobbs, Catherine R.
Ohio State Senator and author 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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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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Dreier, Thomas
Author and lecturer Thomas Dreier describes how his belief in a loving God too big to be contained by labels helps support his beliefs in religious tolerance and in the importance of demonstrating God’s existence through a life of loving service.
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Duer, Caroline, 1865-1956
Author and artist Caroline Duer describes most of her beliefs through a poem she wrote which emphasizes the value of enjoying simple pleasures, showing kindness and courtesy, working, avoiding excessive caution, meeting obligations, being courageous, showing tolerance, and avoiding regrets, for “the day is dark; it may be fair tomorrow.”
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Duveen, Charles
Lecturer and author Charles Duveen, Jr., describes his experience of being shot from a plane while flying over the Pacific during WWII, and how his perspective on life changed from one which placed value in material objects to one which found value in service to others.
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Edelman, Maurice, 1911-1975
Politician and author 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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Fineman, Irving, b. 1893
Author and poet Irving Fineman reads his poem, “For a Child” and explains why he feels it is a parent’s duty to create a better world and why to do so one needs science and faith together.
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Frank, Pat, 1907-1964
Journalist and author Pat Frank describes his experiences as a war correspondent with Edward R. Murrow during World War II; explains how his interactions with Germans, Japanese, and Italians give him hope that people share a fundamental humanity; and notes that the chance to watch history unfold is a great opportunity and responsibility, despite the uncertainty of the era.
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Frederick, J. George (Justus George), 1882-
Gourmet and author J. George Frederick uses the analogy of the heart’s cardiovascular system to describe his beliefs in the need to love, to forgive, and to sacrifice for others.
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Fuess, Claude Moore, 1885-1963
Claude Fuess, author and 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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Greene, Ward, 1892-1956
Newspaper editor and author Ward Greene charts a timeline of faith through an individual’s lifetime (accepting as a child, intense as a young adult, and uncertain in middle age) and describes his beliefs in simple truths such as the Golden Rule.
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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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Guard, Samuel R., 1889-1966
Samuel Guard, editor of Breeder’s Gazette, tells the story of a young boy becoming an excellent farmer through dedication and faith in himself, a capability that Samuel Guard says lies within everyone.
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Hale, Oliver (Oscar Hirschmann) & Hale, Oliver, Mrs. (Esther Hirschmann)
Poet Mr. Hale and his wife Mrs. Hale, having been married for a long time, talk of the imminent death that will separate them as they age; yet in spite of the expected grief, they will continue to view life with excitement and wonder, and remind everyone of the importance of having compassion for all.
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Hamilton, Edith, 1867-1963
Author Edith Hamilton talks about “spiritual truth” and why faith, not facts, are necessary for understanding it.
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Hayes, Anna Hansen, 1886-1987
Community leader and author Anna Hayes describes her fear of lightening as a child and the realization that fear is incompatible with faith in God. Anna also explains that faith in people and selflessness can bring the “kingdom of God on earth.”
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Haynes, George Edmund, 1880-1960
George Haynes, author and the Executive Director of the 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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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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Heinlein, Robert A. (Robert Anson), 1907-1988
Author Robert Heinlein talks about his beliefs in his neighbors: in their kindness and willingness to look out for each other, despite differences in opinions or creeds.
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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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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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Hodge, Herbert, 1901-
British author and taxicab driver Herbert Hodge describes his search for his own personal, practical philosophy for life: to try his best at all he does.
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Holliday, Kate
Author and war correspondent Kate Holliday describes her beliefs in the brotherhood of humanity, in the right to freedom of worship, and in the Golden rule.
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Holloway, Alice G.
Author and business professional Alice Holloway describes the influence her grandmother and father have had on her beliefs and her certainty that kindness and service to others in need is the kindness that comes from a deeply spiritual and selfless place in people.
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Hurst, Fannie – This I Believe essay #1
Novelist Fannie Hurst explains how the the character of her late husband reminds her that one must be honest with oneself in order to be fulfilled and to achieve peacefulness, tranquility and personal success.
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Hurst, Fannie – This I Believe essay #2
Novelist Fannie Hurst talks about the example her husband set of how to live a selfless life, and her belief that many such lights of selfless living (though small) can together illuminate an entire arena in the world.
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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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Jackson, E. W., 1896-1983
Publisher E.W. Jackson describes his belief in the pursuit of unattainable perfection, the importance of sacrifice, and the responsibility that comes with faith.
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Joubert de la Ferté, Philip, Sir, b. 1887
Indian-born Sir Philip Joubert, author and 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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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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Keller, Helen, 1880-1968
With the help of her companion Polly Thomson, author and lecturer Helen Keller describes her faith in God, in immortality, and in her fellow human beings, as well as her confidence that social conditions are improving, despite the present sufferings of humanity.
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Kennedy, Jay Richard
Investment adviser and author Jay Kennedy speaks of growing up as a young, homeless orphan and the important lesson of survival that he learned and by which he still lives, although now this lesson is tempered by the knowledge that to fully develop, one must do so within the context of relationships with others.
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King, Robert S.
Television cameraman and author Robert King describes how a youthful desire for an automobile led to several crimes and a stretch in jail; however, the time to reflect and the gift of a jalopy from a friend helped him change his lifestyle, and now he believes in a Supreme Being, the oneness of humanity, and the possibility that a universal language could achieve world peace.
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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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Laing, Nora
South African-born journalist and novelist 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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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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MacNeice, Louis, 1907-1963
Poet and dramatist Louis MacNeice defines beliefs as statements of personal preference, and describes his belief that the world can avoid anarchism because people share many of the same preferences, including the desire to build an orderly society.
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Mann, Thomas, 1875-1955
Author Thomas Mann discusses the impermanence and transitory nature of life and explains why this makes life special and valuable, and why man’s awareness of impermanence elevates his spirit.
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McEvoy, J. P. (Joseph Patrick), 1895-1958
Author and cartoonist J. P. McEvoy describes his beliefs that prayer is a two-way communication with God, that philosophers haven’t yet worked out all the mysteries of the universe, that opportunities should be equal for all with rewards based on achievement, that individuals should live for liberty at home as well as die for it abroad, that people should take responsibility for solving their own problems, and that it is better to be kind than to be clever.
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Montgomery, Ray
Ray Montgomery, author and an instructor at the University of Baltimore, 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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Motley, Arthur H. “Red”, 1900-1984
Arthur Motley, publisher of Parade magazine, describes his experience watching “Death of a Salesman” and his reaction to the negative portrayal of salesmen. He states why he believes salesmen and selling are synonymous with change, progress, and action, reflecting life in miniature.
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Mowrer, Paul Scott, 1887-1971
Journalist and poet Paul Mowrer describes the importance of faith and hope to his beliefs, which include first hand experiences of both the good and bad that people can do.
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Muggeridge, Malcolm, 1903-1990
Malcolm Muggeridge, humorist and editor of Punch magazine, talks about the immutability, or changelessness, of life and the imperfection of the human condition; however, he emphasizes the need to accept the imperfection and permanence and appreciate life for what it is and not for what one hopes it may be one day.
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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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Noyes, Alfred, 1880-1958
Poet and critic Alfred Noyle describes his belief that the complexity of the world can only be attributed to God, and that the clearest revelation of God can be found by looking at the human soul.
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Osborn, Alex F. (Alex Faickney)
Advertising executive Alex Osborn, author of “brainstorming” technique, describes his belief in the power of creative imagination and ideas, and his satisfaction in teaching others how to capitalize on their “most priceless possession” (creative imagination) as well.
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Oursler, Fulton, 1893-1952
Author Fulton Oursler explains why faith and love are the two most important principles in his life and describes how to practice them.
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Overstreet, Bonaro W. (Bonaro Wilkinson), 1902-1985
Poet Bonaro Overstreet talks about her doubt and her one certain belief, that we must all act towards one another with good will and kindness because people are intimately connected and the notion of individuality is a misperception.
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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 tolerant acceptance of his fellow human beings.
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Page, Elizabeth, b. 1889
Social worker and author Elizabeth Page recounts her experience of God’s presence after the death of her sister, describes her belief in her responsibility to address problems in the world, and explains how her belief in black-and-white distinctions between good and evil came to change.
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Parker, Phyllis
Author and script writer Phyllis Parker is reminded of a saying she enjoyed as a child, “love conquers all,” and describes the good and sometimes bad results that have come of love. She also compares love to electricity, a flow of energy, and says that if we could all harness love and direct it wisely, then the world could be a much better place without prejudice.
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Phillips, Roger S.
Roger Phillips, Publisher of World Magazine, describes the faith and values he inherited from his family and explains the value and influence of a mate and examines the many elements that make up a person’s heritage.
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Plagemann, Bentz, 1913-
Author Bentz Plagemann describes his experience in the Navy during WWII and how this experience formed his belief that with patience and faith, there are no difficulties one cannot overcome in life.
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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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Reynolds, Quentin James, 1902-1965
Journalist and author Quentin Reynolds explains why he would first burn the Bible if he were a dictator: the Bible is the source of democracy and its stories tell of the power of individuality and non-conformity, values which make a dictatorship impossible, according to Reynolds.
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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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Runbeck, Margaret Lee, 1905-1956
Author Margaret Runbeck describes her trip to India to combat illiteracy, and her belief that there is a spiritual revival underway, as people realize that rational intelligence alone cannot prevent “global suicide.”
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Sackville-West, V. (Victoria), 1892-1962
Author Vita Sackville-West describes her belief in an impersonal force, and her belief that, contrary to organized religion’s creed, humans are insignificant specks in the galaxy.
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Sagendorph, Robb Hansell
Robb Sagendorph, selectman and publisher of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, describes how his beliefs have deepened since he was young, and states his beliefs that humans are made significant because of their relationship to God, that life is everlasting, and that children have a closer understanding of life than adults.
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Salmon, Richard
Artist and author Richard Salmon ponders the magnitude of the universe and describes his realization that everything is part of God’s plan and how fishing teaches him to make the best of life.
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Schoonover, Lawrence L.
Author Lawrence Schoonover describes his experiment with ethics in his youth and his questioning of the relevance of the Ten Commandments. He then recounts the awareness of his mistake and how he lives by the Commandments and raises his children according to them.
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Scott, Edgar
Author and broker Edgar Scott describes his beliefs that the universe was created by God, that God is loving and in control of events, that the existence of evil does not negate the existence of God but rather teaches us important life lessons, that what happens after death is still an “unsolved puzzle,” and that individuals must surrender to the things in life which are too big for them to dominate.
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Scratch, Walter Leonard, 1902-
Journalist and author Walter Scratch describes his belief that spiritually minded people will create a good society, that societal change must start with personal responsibility, that individual religious experience is important, and that religion ought to be growing and open to change.
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Sears, William
Broadcaster and author Bill Sears talks about his belief in the importance of developing faith and a moral character to live life to its fullest potential and greatest happiness.
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Shaffer, Robert Howard, 1915-
Educator and journal editor Robert Shaffer describes his belief that a person’s dreams drive his or her reality, and that individuals must have a sense of personal worth and value to derive any meaning from their life’s work.
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Shellabarger, Samuel, 1888-1954
In a recording aired posthumously, novelist Samuel Shellabarger describes his beliefs in his dependence upon God for eternal life, in the existence of natural laws that govern values and morality, and in the value of using the past to inform future decisions.
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Shirer, William L. (William Lawrence), 1904-1993
While reporting from Germany during Nazi rule, radio commentator William L. Shirer learned the value of tolerance and freedom and was inspired by people’s ability to retain their faith and will to live in the face of atrocities. Shirer believes that man’s resilience, especially during times of war, comes from having a rich inner life of reflection and contemplation.
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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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Sinclair, Upton, 1878-1968
Author Upton Sinclair describes the military (Navy) and religious (Episcopalian) background of his family, and his own choice to defend his country and bring change through his writing.
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Sloss, Hattie Hecht
Poet Hattie Hecht Sloss describes her belief via the format of poetry, quoting Coleridge, James Henry Leigh Hunt, the Old and New Testaments, Tennyson, and several poems by Browning.
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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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Smith, Robertson
Literary agent Robertson Smith describes how a moment of apparent catastrophe formed his belief that all things work together for the good for those who love God, and led to his belief that God’s loving purpose and presence are in every situation.
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Stanford, Alfred, 1900-
Advertising executive and author Alfred Stanford describes the balance that must be struck between emotion and reason in order to accomplish goals and develop an “inner integrity.”
Stark, Freya
Author and explorer Freya Stark talks about her belief in immortality and the afterlife and how this view of eternity affects her perspective and gives her an affinity for sincerity and truth.
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Stegner, Wallace, 1909-1993
Novelist Wallace Stegner describes his suspicions of “passionate faith” because of the religious intolerance it creates, and recounts his beliefs in virtues such as kindness and courage, and his belief that although consciences are developed differently, based on one’s birthplace, nevertheless, people across the world share many values.
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Stewart, George
Author Lt. Col. George Stewart describes how he developed a moral code based on friendliness, and explains how his faith in people developed because of his neighbors’ friendliness, and how Jesus demonstrated God’s friendliness during His time on earth.
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Stowe, Leland, 1899-
Leland Stowe talks about his experiences around the world meeting different people and the similarities he saw and how his experiences convinced him that everyone should try to understand other people and act with compassion and empathy.
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Strassman, Ralph K.
Advertising executive and publisher Col. Ralph K. Strassman, Vice-President of Ward Wheelock Company Advertising, describes his belief in the importance of human beings, and the enduring persistence of human personality, despite the failures and fears of the present age.
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Strebel, Ralph F. (Ralph Frederick), b. 1894
Author and educator Ralph Strebel talks about his early childhood and his awareness of class and his youthful epiphany that one should have pride in oneself for who they are, not where they come from, and how this realization supports his belief in equality and democracy. He also talks about the need to develop a more spiritual philosophy in the world and abandon the materialistic philosophy that he believes is pervasive.
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Strickling, George F. (George Franklin), 1896-1985
Music teacher, composer, and author 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, Dwight
Screenwriter Dwight Taylor describes his belief that science cannot answer the question of “Why?” and that, until individuals learn to live in gratitude and wonder at the miracle of life, humans will not learn to live peacefully with one another.
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Thomas, Benjamin Platt, 1902-1956
Author and historian 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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Thomas, Dorothy
Author Dorothy Thomas explains why she feels it is important to find a balance in life that allows one to be happy and appreciative of life and lists the many simple pleasures she finds in life that make her happy.
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Thompson, Alice, 1910-
Alice Thompson, publisher of Seventeen magazine, talks about her life as a mother, a wife, a member of society, and a worker and explains the importance of understanding, love, and compassion to a happy life.
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Tobin, Emery
Emery Tobin, founder of The Alaska Sportsman magazine, describes his belief that people have been placed in a beautiful creation in order to work to improve themselves and to serve others.
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Trapp, Maria Augusta
Austrian-born singer and author 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 whole-heartedly in the present without worrying about the past or future.
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Unwin, Stanley, Sir, 1884-1968
Stanley Unwin, president of the International Publishers Congress, describes his beliefs in tolerance, reverance, beauty, liberty, justice, law, progress (despite some adjustments caused by WWI), and the happiness that can be found through work prompted by the love of something.
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Vanderbilt, Amy
Author Amy Vanderbilt explains her awareness and appreciation of people, equality, and friendship and describes how her son exemplified this in his disregard for race when meeting a lady on the bus.
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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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Wachner, Barbara
Actor and author Babara Wachner describes her belief that she can “pay in advance” for life’s rewards, that hardships ultimately lead to happiness, and that blessings can be met without fear of loss, because they have already been earned.
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West, Rebecca, 1892-1983
Author Rebecca West describes the importance of individual liberty and how it can be the cause of conflict, yet how love and law can provide guidance.
Winslow, Thyra Samter, 1893-1961
Author Thyra Winslow describes how happy her life has been thus far, and states her beliefs in the importance of curiosity, flexibility, faith, and love.
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Wrench, Evelyn, 1882-1966
Sir Evelyn Wrench, philanthropist and editor of The Spectator magazine, describes how an encounter with extreme poverty shook his faith in God, and how an experience at the funeral service of King Edward VII restored that faith, as he became more inclusive in his beliefs and practices.
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Zeitlin, Jake, 1902-1987
Poet, publisher, lecturer, and bookseller Jake Zeitlin describes his beliefs in the liberty to live one’s life according to reason, in self-discipline, in the value of self-improvement through books and culture, in the importance of laughter, in the value of tempering faith in science with respect for humanity, and in the honesty of his wife and children.
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