This I Believe

Theodor Benfey is a scientist who believes the fields of both science and religion must stay open in searching for truth. Benfey believes that God is the ultimate force of truth and that love is the path of the self to God, so therefore, he finds that it is love that binds him to God and the ultimate truth.

Legendary choreographer Martha Graham believes that dancing—like living—may look easy, but actually requires years of constant practice to achieve a sense of one's own being and a satisfaction of spirit.

Essayist Liz Dow found inspiration at the potter's wheel for her work at molding young leaders.

Peg Fagan believes in the importance of reaching out to the people in our communities who may feel forgotten and invisible, especially as they grow older. After the loss of his wife, Charles Hires, Jr. found a sense of purpose late in life by helping young people find theirs (from the 1950s This I Believe series).

Dr. Carmen Febo-San Miguel is a Philadelphia physician who is originally from Puerto Rico. She is also the executive director of Taller Puertorriqueño, a non-profit arts organization that is known as the "cultural heart of Latino Philadelphia." She believes that cultural diversity as an asset to society, not a liability.

When Sozi Tulante was only a boy, he and his family fled the Congo and found themselves in the United States, where they were able to start a new life. Mr. Tulante believes in the country that granted them political asylum, and he believes in the city that welcomed them home. Also heard is a 1950s This I Believe essay from Philadelphia businessman Cyril Fox.

A fertility doctor once told Linda Lascola Balestracci that she should just accept the fact that she would never be a mother. But two adopted sons, two step-sons, and four grandchildren later, Ms. Balestracci has found joy beyond measure in the true meaning of family.

By all outward appearances, Joshua Yuchasz is a regular teenager. But his classmates still tease him about the thing that makes him different, Asperger’s Syndrome. Yuchasz believes it’s our differences that deserve respect.

Differences deserve respect

Melissa Weiler Gerber believes that "the little things" are a big deal. From remembering someone's birthday with the perfect card to receiving a handwritten note for a special occasion, Weiler Gerber believes that paying attention to the little things can elevate ordinary experiences.