Seniors
60+
Essays by speakers who were over 60 years of age at the time the essay was presented.
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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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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Angell, Norman, 1874-1967
Journalist and author 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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Austin, Lou, 1891-1976
Resort owner Lou Austin describes his belief that persons are meant to be in partnership with God, and how it took 40 years of fruitless struggle for him to learn this.
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Barrymore, Lionel, 1878-1954
Actor Lionel Barrymore talks about the acting profession and the importance of planning to create a successful career and role and how any success in one’s life is based on the same principle of goal setting and planning.
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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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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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Beveridge, William Henry Beveridge, Baron, 1879-1963
Indian-born economist, lawyer, author, and journalist 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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Bird, Remsen Du Bois, b. 1888
Remsen Bird, President of Occidental College, explains that though there are many problems in the world which challenge his convictions, he nevertheless believes that God brings truth, beauty, and righteousness into the world, acting through those individuals who show love and care for others.
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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, 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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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 extraterrestial 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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Cleland, Robert Glass, 1885-1957
Robert Cleland describes a time in his life in which he was distraught and took a trip along the Colorado river with friends. The beauty he saw during the trip, Robert Cleland says, re-inspired his life and faith.
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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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Dale, Henry H. (Henry Hallett), 1875-1968
Scientist Henry Dale describes his belief in the “supreme value of truth” and the need for science to join forces with religion to help explain both material reality and our immaterial feelings of free will and a moral purpose in life.
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Danforth, William H. (William Henry), 1870-1955
Businessman William Danforth describes how, when he was a sickly farm boy, his school teacher challenged him to live healthily; from that, Danforth developed a life philosophy to stand tall (through exercise and healthy eating habits), think tall (through education), smile tall (through friendliness and kindness) and live tall (through character development).
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Darwin, Charles Galton, Sir, 1887-1962
Physicist Charles G. Darwin describes his belief that human nature (as it stands) will lead to a decline in social conditions, unless society focuses on the science of heredity.
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Davis, Elmer Holmes, 1890-1958
Broadcaster and journalist Elmer Davis discusses the importance of intellectual freedom to freedom and progress, and some of the difficulties that can come with such freedom.
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Davis, Jerome, 1891-
Author and educator Jerome Davis speaks about the rewards of a life helping others.
Davison, Archibald T. (Archibald Thompson), 1883-1961
Archibald Davison, Professor of Music at Harvard University and Director of the Harvard Glee Club, recounts a childhood experience in which he shut the door on a man who had come to the house in search of work, and describes his belief in the importance of weighing his actions and words carefully and avoiding the unnecessary infliction of pain.
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Deustch, Monroe E., 1879-1955
Educator Monroe Deustch expresses his belief that the sentiment of brotherhood between people could solve many of the world’s problems and also expresses his belief that there is a greater power in the world that has created the Universe and that this power is immortal just as the spirit of people is immortal as well.
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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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Evans, Edith, Dame, 1888-1976
Actor Edith Evans describes how she believes that good is stronger than evil, that following Christ’s command to love God and one’s neighbors will bring about a better world, and that fear of war and social chaos can be answered by relying on the power of good to overcome.
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Fisher, Annie, 1883-1968
Educator Annie Fisher talks about her experiences growing up in a Jewish family and her belief in equality and the importance of goodness regardless of one’s faith.
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Forbes, Alexander, 1882-1965
Dr. Alexander Forbes, Professor Emeritus of Physiology at Harvard University, explains why science and religion are compatible; how science cannot understand everything in the universe; and the need for people and nations to begin cooperating rather than competing.
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Fowler, Burton P. (Burton Philander), b. 1887
Burton Fowler states that the fundamental principles of his beliefs (God, Jesus Christ, and the brotherhood of humanity) derive from his early years on an upstate New York farm.
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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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Fry, Margery, 1874-1958
Prison reformer Margery Fry describes her belief in both Schweitzer’s “reverence for life” as well as a “reverence for truth” and how application of these beliefs will lead to the self’s service to the “not-self” (other people).
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Fuess, Claude Moore, 1885-1963
Claude Fuess, Headmaster of Phillips Academy, describes himself as a “long-range optimist” who believes that the majority of today’s boys are full of character and thoughtfulness, despite the newspaper headlines that suggest the moral decline of youth.
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Gaither, Gant, 1884-1968
Surgeon Gant Gaither describes his belief in his responsibility to serve God and others, his love for the underdog, and his responsibility to always do his best.
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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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Griffith, Ivor, 1891-1961
Welsh-born Dr. Ivor Griffith, President and Research Director of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, describes several people of different faiths which all pray to the same God and imagines them all before St. Peter at the gates of heaven, then describes the accounting that will take place and why they will all be judged equally regardless of their faiths or their race.
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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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Guérard, Albert Léon, 1880-1959
French-born Albert Guérard describes his beliefs as a blend of old and new ideals that espouse liberty, progress, tolerance, and charity.
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Hall, G. Leslie
Leslie Hall explains his secret to staying vibrant: living in the present and not worrying.
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Ham, Roswell Gray, 1891-1983
Roswell Ham, President of Mt. Holyoke College, describes being raised by a single mother and the impact she had on his beliefs in beauty.
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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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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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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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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, the Executive Director of National Urban League, describes his beliefs in the equal potential of humans, in beauty, truth, goodness, peace, life, God, and eternity.
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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Heard, Gerald, 1889-1971
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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Hires, Charles E., b. 1891
Businessman Charles Hires tells of his habit of throwing himself into work and cutting off relationships in response to the death of his wife, and his realization that he was doing so in error and that happiness comes through helping and interacting with others.
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Hodges, Leigh Mitchell, 1876-
Journalist Leigh Hodges describes how his constant worry and fear changed to hope and confidence, and how he came to believe in himself and enjoy the opportunities each new day brings.
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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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Hoover, Herbert, 1874-1964
President Hoover, engineer and 31st President of the United States, describes the importance of religious faith in life, science, and politics.
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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.
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Hurst, Fannie, 1889-1968 – 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, 1889-1968 – 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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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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Isaacs, Stanley M. (Stanley Myer), 1882-1962
Politician 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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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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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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Kelly, John B., (1889-1960)
Businessman and rower John Kelly tells the story of his disqualification from the Diamond Sculls rowing competition for having apprenticed as a bricklayer and the resulting hope to meet Beresford, the Diamond Sculls champion, in the Olympics to compete against him for the Gold Medal. Kelly concludes that he believes his failures are the most important memories he holds.
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Kemsley, James Gomer Berry, Viscount, 1883-1968
British newspaper proprietor Lord Kemsley describes his beliefs in the importance of family life, home-made entertainment, and self-reliance.
Kruger, Otto, 1885-1974
Actor Otto Kruger describes his beliefs and faith in God and his consequent transformation, as a result of his beliefs, from a gullible person who enjoyed gossip to a more thoughtful, reasoned debater.
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La Forge, Frank, 1879-1953
Pianist and composer Frank La Forge describes his work and achievements in his career as a musician and pianist and believes in the necessity of acting to the best of one’s ability and faith in God’s support of one’s efforts.
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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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Lerew, Gillie A., 1882-1977
Gillie Lerew, mathematician and Academic Dean of Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, explains that a deeper understanding of science has given her a deeper sense of faith, a faith based in Christianity and a confidence in the human spirit.
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Lloyd, Frank, 1887-1960
Film 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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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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MacCracken, H. N. (Henry Noble), b. 1880
Henry MacCracken, President of Vassar College, describes the basic tenants of his personal philosophy (art, science, democracy, and religion) and how these four “points of the compass” are held together by freedom.
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MacIver, Robert M. (Robert Morrison), 1882-1970
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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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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Maxey, Chester C. (Chester Collins), 1890-1984
Chester Maxey, President of Whitman College, describes the “creative force” that is vital to a meaningful society and how the United States’ success is a result of its nourishing this creative spirit.
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Meeman, Edward J. (Edward John), 1889-1966
Edward Meeman, editor of the Memphis Press Scimitar, describes his transition from doubt to belief and how his faith has given him peace and happiness.
Melby, Ernest Oscar, 1891-1987
Educator Ernest Melby talks about his belief in the individuality of people and the need for freedom and liberty in order for people to develop to the greatest potential.
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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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Moran, Charles McMoran Wilson, Baron, 1882-1977
Charles Wilson, personal physician to Sir Winston Churchill, recounts how one judged a person during World War I and the importance of altruism and selflessness to determining a person’s character.
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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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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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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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Overstreet, H. A. (Harry Allen), 1875-1970
Philosopher and author Harry Overstreet 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 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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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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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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Penfield, Wilder, 1891-1976
U.S.-born Wilder Penfield, Professor of Neurology at McGill University, describes his feeling of purpose and destiny when his boat was torpedoed during World War I and the relationship between science and religion.
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Perry, Ralph Barton, 1876-1957
Harvard University Professor Emeritus Ralph Perry describes his belief in believing – the quality that transforms idle thinking into action and his belief that humans can distinguish between right and wrong.
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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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Potter, Gillie
Comedian Gillie Potter states his belief in the power of wit and “foolishness” to communicate truth, and describes his belief that his task is to bring merriness back to a modern zeitgeist that is currently devoid of humor.
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Rank, J. Arthur, 1888-1972
Film producer J. Arthur Rank expresses his faith in God and humanity and the power of faith to transform the world into a peaceful society.
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Read, Conyers, 1881-1959
Historian and University of Pennsylvania professor Conyers Reads enumerates some of his beliefs, such as the ability to concern one’s self only with that which one can control; the importance of creative abilities and freedom of thought; and standards of right and wrong.
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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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Sabine, Paul Earls, 1879-1958
Sound engineer Paul Sabine describes how his early beliefs were fractured into those about physical realities and those about spiritual realities, but now he believes modern physics has given him the framework to harmonize his beliefs into a coherent whole.
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Sharples, Laurence P. (Laurence Price), 1891-1976
Laurence Sharples, Head of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, describes the essential beliefs he tries to live by: keep active and busy, educate his heart and have empathy, remain honest, and create something positive to leave behind.
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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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Simon, John Allsebrook Simon, Viscount, 1873-1954
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, 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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Spry, Constance, 1886-1960
Florist and social reformer Constance Spry describes how she adopted her father’s love of truth, justice, beauty, and poetry, and explains her father’s practice of listening to, rather than judging, the beliefs and opinions of others.
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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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Swing, Raymond, 1887-1968
Raymond Swing, editor of the This I Believe program, describes how the realization that most of his troubles were caused by ignorance led him to become more tolerant of others, and states his beliefs in his participation in the “All-Wisdom” of God, in his responsibility to change himself, and in the importance of extending to others the love and freedom which he desires for himself.
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Toland, Edward Dale, 1886-1964
Teacher Edward Toland describes how his experiences with a French mobile field hospital in WWI changed his perspective and led him to become a teacher after the war, and he describes his belief that loving humanity by practicing the Golden Rule is the best way in which to love God.
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Totton, Frank M., 1890-1954
Banker Frank Totton describes the meaning he finds in life as a result of his religious faith and belief that God works through man, a belief which encourages and enables him to support and aid others.
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Toynbee, Arnold, 1889-1975
Historian Arnold Toynbee describes his belief that human beings have no certain knowledge of right and wrong, yet must still attempt to live life unselfishly, and his belief that love provides life with purpose.
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Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972
Former President Harry Truman 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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Unwin, Stanley, Sir, 1884-1968
Publisher Stanley Unwin describes his beliefs in tolerance, reverence, 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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Vann, Jessie, 1885-1967
Jessie Vann, an African American newspaper proprietor, describes her belief in the value of keeping her promises, her aunt’s prediction that she would never amount to anything, her belief in the power of gratitude and appreciation, and the management of her husband’s newspaper after he died.
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Vansittart, Robert Gilbert Vansittart, Baron, 1881-1957
Diplomat 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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Constance Warren, President Emeritus of Sarah Lawrence College, discusses the importance of education to happiness and ethics and describes the values that have made her life a happy one.
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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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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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White, Goodrich C. (Goodrich Cook), b. 1889
Goodrich White, President of Emory University, describes the death of his son, and the immense grief of his wife, and his subsequent struggle with doubt and ultimate belief in God and life after death.
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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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Wrench, Evelyn, 1882-1966
Sir Evelyn Wrench, Editor and Chairman of The Spectator, 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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Zorach, William, 1889-1966
Lithuanian-born sculptor and painter William Zorach believes that people have had their faith strained and that it is important to get in touch with one’s creative ability to communicate and define one’s feelings in order to progress towards a world of happiness and prosperity.
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