As a hospital chaplain, parent and writer, Susan Cosio often finds her life filled with responsibilities and distractions. But she believes the quiet time of a daily walk helps her stay connected to God.
At 16, Elizabeth Deutsch was the youngest essayist to appear on Edward R. Murrow’s This I Believe. She discusses her search for philosophical and spiritual beliefs that can guide her as an adult. (Read a new essay Deutsch wrote in 2005.)
With movies like A Beautiful Mind and Apollo 13 to his credit, Oscar-winning producer Brian Grazer could rest on his laurels. But that’s not for him. Grazer believes in disrupting his comfort zone.
As a person living with autism, Temple Grandin explains that she lives by concrete rules, not abstract beliefs. Without the ability to process abstract thought, she thinks in pictures and in sounds.
Arnold Toynbee says everyone has certain skills and knowledge, yet what makes us truly human is how we relate to other people. The noted historian believes that suffering is not only inevitable but it is indispensable in gaining a lifelong education.
Loudon Wainwright III has been writing songs for more than 30 years. He believes in the mystery that inspires the creation of a new song. But it’s not something Wainwright wants to think about too much.
Movie writer Niven Busch appreciated the solitude of a horseback ride on his ranch. But he also valued the bustle and chaos of a subway trip in a crowded city. Busch believed these journeys allowed him to better connect with his fellow wayfarers.
Professor and attorney Michael Mullane believes the rule of law must be upheld — even in times of threat and crisis. As fragile as it can be, Mullane says we are all protected by and accountable to the law.
From 1952, Oscar-winning actress Helen Hayes explains that in spite of her theatrical success, it took the death of her daughter to teach her the interdependence of humanity and the need for more compassion.
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.
When Kara Gebhart Uhl was faced with a decision of being honest or being kind, she chose to be honest. Later, she came to believe that it's possible to be both at the same time. Listen to her essay here.
Sign up here for the free Weekly News or monthly Educator News electronic newsletters.
SafeSubscribeSM