First created by Edward R. Murrow in the 1950s, the popular radio program This I Believe explores the core beliefs and guiding principles by which Americans live today. In this book, you will find an inspiring collection of personal essays from men and women of all walks of life who share the stories of important lessons they have learned over the course of their lives. You′ll find personal experiences and profound insights from a roller derby queen, a physician, a corporate executive, and a homeless person. You′ll read essays written by those with several decades of life experience and others from teenagers. You′ll find ponderings on life′s big questions, such as “Why am I here?” and “What is my place in the world?” as well as beliefs in the importance of saying hello, thank you, and I forgive you. There are revelations on the importance of listening to your inner voice and taking responsibility for your actions. And there are reflections on the resiliency of people who have lived through cancer, depression, or an accident and came through it with spirits intact.
These diverse, engaging essays share valuable lessons for those just starting their adult lives or anyone dealing with life′s challenges. Revealing much about what it means to be human, this book offers wisdom, guidance, and inspiration for all.
To read more essays and submit your own, please visit www.thisibelieve.org.
100% of editors′ proceeds go directly to the not–for–profit organization This I Believe, Inc.
The moving and powerful first–person essays in this book explore the core beliefs and guiding principles by which Americans live. Filled with valuable insights distilled from a wide range of personal experiences, This I Believe: Life Lessons is a perfect gift for others or for yourself.
“The turning points in my life have not been the times I succeeded at something, but the times I′ve whispered, ′I′m lost,′ or ′Help me,′ or ′I need a friend.′ I believe sometimes our vulnerability is our strength.” Colin Bates, student and resident service assistant for people with mental disabilities
“I believe you need to listen, carefully, to hear your inner voice. And then you have to do what it says.” Christine Todd Whitman, former governor of New Jersey and former head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
“I believe that saying no to some of life′s shimmering pleasures buys me a moment of peace and a small sovereign patch where I can pause and ask what it is my heart truly desires. No is not deprivation, it′s deliberation. No is not loss, it′s freedom.” Jessica Paris, educator
“I have seen time and time again that when people find their commonalities, they are more likely to come together and become friends, even under the most stressful conditions. This I believe.” Sgt. Maj. Larry Chaston (Ret.), Vietnam and Afghanistan veteran, and engineer
About the Author
DAN GEDIMAN is executive director of This I Believe, Inc., a not–for–profit organization that engages people in writing and sharing essays describing the core values that guide their daily lives. These short statements of belief have been featured on public radio since 2005. Gediman is the coeditor of the New York Times bestseller This I Believe, as well as This I Believe II, This I Believe: On Love, and This I Believe: On Fatherhood.
JOHN GREGORY is editorial director and MARY JO GEDIMAN is outreach director of This I Believe, Inc.
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