A public dialogue about belief — one essay at a time

This I Believe is an international organization engaging people in writing and sharing essays describing the core values that guide their daily lives. Over 125,000 of these essays, written by people from all walks of life, have been archived here on our website, heard on public radio, chronicled through our books, and featured in weekly podcasts. The project is based on the popular 1950s radio series of the same name hosted by Edward R. Murrow.

Some say the secret to being a good friend is to be a good listener. But beyond friendship, being a good listener is also essential in other relationships, both personal and professional. In honor of International Listening Awareness Month, click here to listen carefully to what these essayists have to say about being a good listener.

The Sound of Music was released 50 years ago this week, a musical tribute to the von Trapp Family singers. In Maria von Trapp's This I Believe essay from the early 1950s, she states her belief in living like children—living simply, directly, and in the moment. Click here to hear her reading her essay.

This 8 GB USB drive contains 100 of the top This I Believe audio broadcasts of the last ten years, plus some favorites from Edward R. Murrow's radio series of the 1950s. It can be loaded into your computer, your mobile device, or plugged straight into your car in order to listen to a wide variety of inspiring essays, as read by their author. Perfect for personal or classroom use! Click here to learn more.