This I Believe

Will Thomas had planned to give up on America and move to Haiti after putting up with decades of bigotry and injustice toward African Americans. Then he decided to give the country one more chance, moving his family to …

Elvia Bautista was devastated when her brother was killed in a gang shooting. Now, she believes in remembering all the victims of gang violence even …

When she was young, Lauren LeBlanc had grand dreams of living in New York and singing on Broadway. Instead, she became a mom and schoolteacher in …

Although he makes his living with words, poet Fred D'Aguiar is enthralled by dance: from the physicality of the art, to its powers to inspire and heal. D’Aguiar believes dance can be a source for peace, if we all join …

High school student Amelia Baxter-Stoltzfus believes in the freedom offered by semi-permanent hair dye. As much as she likes trying a new look, …

Jennifer Thompson-Cannino was certain that Ronald Cotton was the man who raped her in 1984. But she was wrong. After 11 years in jail, DNA evidence proved Cotton’s innocence. Now, the two have a friendship based on …

As a hospice volunteer, Mary Cook shares in the grief of others. But it was her own loss that taught her how to heal. She believes that recovering …

What kind of world are we leaving younger generations? Manhattan teenager Josh Rittenberg says all parents worry about their children’s futures. But he believes he and his peers will see a better world.

Dr. Anthony Fauci says he was destined to help people with HIV-AIDS. His work at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is fueled by his belief in personal responsibility to humankind.

Carol Fixman's parents taught her the importance of taking action to find solutions to life's problems. And at the end of her mother's life, Ms. …

When Terri Maue's father was near his death, his family was at his side, asking what they could do for him. It was then that he uttered the words …

Playing cards or board games has been an important part of Pamela Rothbard's life since she was a child who was allowed to stay up past bedtime and …

Lying in a hospital with shrapnel and burn wounds from a Vietnam War battle, Steve Banko wasn’t sure he wanted to live. But the sounds of Christmas music helped give him reason to believe otherwise.

Like many of us, Lisa Dunlap had always heard the adage that it's better to give than to receive. But having been on the receiving end of many acts of kindness, Ms. Dunlap has come to believe that while it is indeed …

Bill Reinert has been in the position of both giving and receiving customer service. He now believes that making the effort to serve the people in our lives the best that we can is a rewarding practice, whether in …

There are many ways to look at any given situation in life. William Shutkin has thought a lot about these paradoxes in our lives and how we can either be paralyzed or energized by them.

With each pecan pie and batch of molasses cookies, Emily Echols hones the baking skills she learned from her elders. Ms. Echols believes baking is an …

Jim Snitker knew in high school that he wanted to serve his country by joining the military. And, while he served for 20 years in the U.S. Army, he …

No gift, dinner invitation, or gesture of friendship escapes Michelle Lee’s notice. As a dedicated thank-you-note writer, Lee believes expressing …

Growing up, Anna Whites moved many times, living in exotic places all around the world, but she never quite felt that she belonged in any one place. Later, when she married a man from eastern Kentucky, she found a …

When Jason Howard was young, he spent many afternoons listening to his father's record collection on an RCA turntable. That was the beginning of …

Karin Round lives at the end of an interstate off-ramp in suburban Boston, and she often finds wayward travelers on her doorstep asking for assistance. In spite of the potential dangers, Round believes it’s important to …

Zac Broken Rope has German ancestors on his mother's side of the family and a Native American heritage on his father's. But he grew up feeling that …

Sena Jeter Naslund knew at an early age that she loved literature. But when making a career choice, she felt she should do something good for …

A childhood experience on a playground taught Tori Murden McClure a lesson about the importance of love and friendship that has stuck with her through the years and helped inspire her life's work.

Janet Jayne has been a "step-something" for most of her life—a step-daughter, a step-sister, a step-mother. And while she recognizes the struggles that are often a part of "blending" families, she also celebrates the …

A favorite team makes the World Series while a marriage ends in divorce. Surviving life’s ups and downs led Steve Porter to believe that the good …

As a child, Sherri Ellerman recalls her mother being worried about her age and living in fear of growing older. However, when her mother died at the …

On August 29, 2005, Dr. Patrick Cleveland's life changed forever when Hurricane Katrina came barreling through his home. But a so-called coincidence confirmed for him the knowledge that his life has a purpose.

As an attorney, William Holston made it a priority to volunteer his legal services to help refugees who were seeking religious and political asylum …

It was a sad day when Jay Hasheider helped his son pack and get ready to move away to college. But one moment of joy amidst the sadness was a gift …

If you think a Manhattan consulting job is stressful, try farming. Tim Stark has done both. He believes a reasonable amount of stress brings out his …

Rebecca Haynes, a former park ranger, believes that her life is made better by being part of a local community and a local environment, whether in a small town, a big city, or the wilds of the Sonoran Desert.

For years, Quique Aviles was two people: one who was a successful poet, and one who was a crack addict. Now he believes his art and the connections …

Although born and raised in England, writer Andrew Sullivan turns to America’s Declaration of Independence to find his beliefs rooted in the …

Jody Williams believes extraordinary things can happen when ordinary people decide to take action. Her own activism led to a 1997 international treaty banning landmines and to a Nobel Peace Prize.

Restaurant critic Jason Sheehan has a passion for barbecue with all the homemade fixings on the side. He believes barbecue unites us, comforts us and is the only thing he can’t get enough of.

Although their biological dad has disappeared, Michele Weldon’s three sons have not been fatherless. Weldon believes the men who have stepped-in to …

For much of his life, Greg Chapman felt less than fully human. But when he stopped judging himself against other people’s beliefs, Chapman found a …

When she was young, Mary Curran Hackett's father gave her and her siblings frequent speeches about the importance of perseverance. What surprised her …

A chance encounter in a coffee shop introduced writer Rachel Richardson to a man who had many stories to tell. Ms. Richardson came to understand that everyone has a story, and our lives can be enriched by listening to …

Kim O'Connell's mother is Vietnamese, and her father is American. But since she was born and raised in the U.S., her mother insisted that her daughter be "Americanized" and only speak English. Now, Ms. O'Connell …

Several years ago, when a patient gave Chris Porter a long stare, he thought the man was judging him because of his race or his profession. In reality, the incident taught Porter himself an important lesson about …

When Joel Boutin served in the Peace Corps in Tanzania, he enjoyed living a simple life. After returning to the United States and once again getting …

When he was a child, Howard White’s mother taught him the importance of greeting people. Now an executive at Nike, White believes everyone he meets deserves to have their presence and their humanity acknowledged. For …

Jennie Kiffmeyer is a writer, a storyteller. But on the occasion of her father's death, she realized she didn't know enough of his life—his stories—to fill in the blanks. So Ms. Kiffmeyer believes in writing, both to …

As a father, David Westwood has found that life isn't so complicated when deciding on the very basics of life that need to be taught to our children. For Westwood, one of those basics is that we must learn self-respect …

Poet Frank X Walker believes artists aren’t the only creative people. He says barbers, cooks, janitors, and kids enrich the world with their …

Madeleine Urbaszewski wasn't born in New Orleans, but she has called it home since moving there in the fourth grade. Because she has experienced warmth and friendliness from the people there, including perfect …

As Brenda Holliday approached the age of 50, she began to see another woman in the mirror—her mother. As she started to recognize her mother's …

Inspired by the generosity of his parents, University of Louisville sociology professor Charles H. Parrish believed in the importance of helping …

Like any long-term relationship, Cindy Lollar and her partner Greta have had their ups and downs. Now as they grow old together, Lollar believes the …

After 43 years of marriage, native Texan Reg Stark lost his wife, Linda, to cancer. Ever since, he has been finding pennies everywhere he goes. Stark believes each coin he discovers is a sign that Linda is still with …

On August 28, 1963, Benita Porter went with her mother to attend the March on Washington. It was during Dr. King’s spellbinding message of hope, love, and the universality of mankind that Ms. Porter was inspired by the …

When Cherie Burbach was a young girl, she believed her father's cruel words defined her, and her only escape from his verbal assaults was to write …

In grieving the death of her daughter, novelist Isabel Allende finds inspiration in the life of service her daughter led, and comfort in the love Allende was able to give her in death.

Holiday gatherings mean long hours for Melinda Shoaf: polishing the silver, hanging the decorations, cooking the big dinner. But the Memphis …

Do you answer a child’s question honestly, even if it risks shaking their beliefs? Corey Harbaugh struggled with that decision when his son asked who really brings him presents at Christmas. Harbaugh found a reply that …

When Alexxandra Shuman was in eighth grade, she was diagnosed with clinical depression. But it took more than medication for her to feel happy again. Ms. Shuman believes she has to look in the right places on her …

Brighton Earley’s mom shops at a gas station because she can no longer afford to buy food at a regular grocery. At first Earley was ashamed to go on …

As a teenager, Seeta Sistla dabbled with perfume but found the floral scents to be overpowering for her. But, after watching her father lovingly care for her ill mother, she has come to see that the perfume he anoints …

As a writer, Silas House doesn't like to use the word "love" too much. But, when it comes to his dogs, House knows that they embody love in every sense of the word—the giving and receiving of affection, practicing …

Many people have a favorite Thanksgiving dish. It’s not turkey or pumpkin pie for Jocelyn Fong, but something that combines American tradition with her father’s Chinese heritage. Fong believes her simple dish helps her …

Iraq War veteran Michael J. Whitehead shares some of the lessons he learned on the battlefield in Iraq, about the strength of the Iraqi people, and the importance of leaving the country in better shape than he found it.

When citizens in Michael Seifert’s Texas border town couldn’t get respect from local elected officials, they didn’t get angry. They got organized. …

When Clint Morehead was still in medical school, he often spent upwards of 10 hours a day studying at the library. More important than the aesthetics …

Korinthia Klein’s grandfather was her biggest fan when she was a young music student. When she finally learned his favorite song, Klein had only one chance to play it for him. She believes it was more than a musical …

Massachusetts teenager Kamaal Majeed believes being content with himself and defining his own life are more important than adhering to any racial stereotypes that his peers may try to force upon him. More This I Believe …

What kind of world are we leaving younger generations? Manhattan teenager Josh Rittenberg says all parents worry about their children’s futures. But he believes he and his peers will see a better world. More This I …

We know them. We depend on them. We call them out on cold, rainy nights. Now, college professor Sarah Adams tells us why her life philosophy is built …

When Mary Courtwright was young, she used to think courage was a quality that people were born with. But over time, as she has had to make tough life choices, she has found that courage is something quiet and steadfast, …

Curt Columbus feels that our increasing reliance on technology is making us more isolated and less interactive with each other. By regularly visiting …

Winter Prosapio and her family endured a series of medical and financial troubles that left them feeling broken and bruised. Ms. Prosapio called on …

As the former highest-ranking official in California's elementary and secondary public school system, Delaine Eastin believes that investing in …

As a Naval aviator, Congressman, and parent, John McCain was guided by a belief in honor, faith, and service. They are values he tried to model for his children and future generations of Americans. He died on August 25, …

Once a poster-child for yuppie success with all the trimmings, Kathy Holwadel's world fell apart just when she thought she had it all. She got a …

As a young boy, Kevin Myers felt outraged at being treated unfairly because of his life circumstances. However, his mother taught him an important lesson in forgiving others that he still carries with him today.

As a young immigrant to the United States, Yasmina Shaush feels the weight of several generations who have high expectations for her. Ms. Shaush has come to believe that the beauty of America is the opportunity for …

Delia Motavalli has grown up watching movies about fairy tales and princesses. But after she received a piece of advice from her mother, Delia has come to realize her own definition of "happily ever after." More …

When Dale Long asked himself the large life question, "Why are we here?," he wasn't always sure of the answer. But one night of stargazing with his children brought him clarity on his place in the universe.

For Lori Vermeulen, a "merge" sign is more than a traffic directive in a construction zone. It’s a life philosophy based on making a choice to do …

For many people, work defines the pace of their lives. That’s especially true for New England dairyman Dave Stewart. He believes his cows help him appreciate the slower rhythms of the natural world, and embrace the …

In spite of his successful career as a science fiction writer, Robert Heinlein's beliefs are more down to earth.  Mr. Heinlein believed in the …

Cheryl L. Dukes grew up in the military, and when her father received new orders, the family packed up and said goodbye quickly. Never knowing what it meant to be permanently rooted to a place, Ms. Dukes found out …

How do you memorialize someone whose ashes were spread in the ocean? Teacher Ron Woolley honors his father by stacking stones at the seashore every …

Kate Debiec's father had a knack for making friends with strangers quickly. After her father passed away, Ms. Debiec realized the importance of the legacy he had left her.

From the moment Jeff Sloan became a father, his priorities shifted as he felt the weight of his new responsibilities. What he didn't realize on Day …

From the 1950s This I Believe series, Egyptian-born Ahmad Zaki Abu Shadi tells how he left his homeland to gain spiritual and intellectual liberty.  The artist and scientist believed freedom was a synonym for life …

Scott Saalman, of Jasper, Indiana, learned much about love from observing his parents' daily kiss goodbye.

As an adoptive mother, Julie Sellers knows there is another woman somewhere in the world to whom she owes a debt of gratitude for giving her the …

When a close friend was diagnosed with cancer, Kim Trevisani thought of all the little things her friend would miss while in the hospital. Today, Kim …

As a child, Colleen Shaddox loved hearing her uncle play jazz piano. Now her son is developing a love for the music that she believes unites her …

Many people revel in the beauty of a familiar landscape.  For Connie Spittler, it’s Arizona’s Catalina Mountains when the setting sun illuminates them.  Spittler believes making time to embrace nature gives her the …

Pulitzer Prize winning novelist John Updike explores the roots of his beliefs and finds them grounded in religious faith, the ideals of democracy and …

For Women's History Month, we listen to an essay from Edward R. Murrow's original This I Believe radio series. Even in the face of possible nuclear war, Nobel Prize-winning writer Pearl S. Buck finds her faith in …

Nobel Peace Prize winner Ralph Bunche had a "poor and hard life," having lost both of his parents as a young child. But he was raised by his grandmother, a woman of principle, who taught Bunche the simple lessons that …

Long-time NAACP Executive Secretary and civil rights activist Walter White was inspired by his parents as well as Jesus and Gandhi to believe in …

In college, playwright Louise V. Gray had a passionate romance with another young writer. Then just before their wedding, the relationship faltered …

As half of the magic act Penn and Teller, Penn Jillette enjoys challenging his audiences with the unconventional. In stating his personal credo, Jillette finds liberation in believing there is no God

Nobel Prize-winning physicist Albert Einstein finds beauty in life's mysteries, and says the fate of mankind depends on individuals choosing public service over private gain.