As with any faith tradition, it can sometimes be a challenge for Muslims to balance one’s religious practices with one’s beliefs and the obligations of daily life. Click the links below to learn how these Muslims integrate their spiritual and secular lives.
Whether it’s good versus evil, us against them, left versus right, paper or plastic, regular or decaf, we seem to live in an age that values polarization. But whatever happened to the good old middle ground, the place where diverse people can come together in a sense of unity? Click the links below to read how these essayists believe some middle ground can still be found.
As the spacecraft rover Curiosity sends us new photos of Mars, humanity is pondering the nature of life and the origins of the universe. By making a study of the heavens, these essayists also found inspiration for their beliefs. Click the links below to learn what they discovered.
Whether you call it a do-over or a mulligan, the philosophy of the second chance has saved many a sports endeavor, homework assignment, career, or relationship. To move beyond the mistake or failure and start fresh is an opportunity for redemption at its most fundamental level. Click the links below to read how these essayists have benefitted from a second chance.
Throughout his storied career at CBS, Edward R. Murrow hired a number of acclaimed producers and reporters, including William L. Shirer (pictured here with Murrow). This group came to be known as Murrow’s Boys. Several of these journalists also contributed essays to the 1950s This I Believe series. Click the links below to read statements from these esteemed newsmen.
Many people say that listening to music is a very important part of their lives. And those who make music feel even stronger about its power to move them. For both famous musicians and the person sitting in the cubicle next to you, music can inspire some powerful beliefs.
Just like in the United States, teachers in China have asked their students to write This I Believe essays. The hopes and passions of these students are evident, even as they write in a second language. Click the links below to learn what these Chinese students believe.
Some may choose to dwell on the unfortunate evils of existence, but others — these writers among them — prefer to note the essentially good and decent side of humanity. Whether it be found in the simple gesture of holding a door open for someone or the gracious admittance of a stranger in need into one’s home, these individuals manage to find decency in many places, even unlikely ones (compiled by This I Believe intern Colin Hanna).
The hot, thick air of summer provides the perfect breeding ground for thunderstorms. And in the driving rain and brilliant lightning, some people find the flash of inspiration. Click the links below to read what these essayists believe about summer storms.
What do parents hope to teach their children? Not the “sit up straight” or “eat your vegetables” messages, but the deeper lessons for a life well-lived. Click the links below to read the messages these parents are passing from one generation to the next.
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. Click here to read his essay.
