This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of One Hundred Thoughtful Men and Women

by Edward R. Murrow (Editor)

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Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy, Essays

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1952

About the author

Edward R. "Ed" Murrow was an American journalist and television and radio figure. He first came to prominence with a series of radio news broadcasts during World War II, which were followed by millions of listeners in the United States and Canada. Mainstream historians consider him among journalism's greatest figures; Murrow hired a top-flight cadre of war correspondents and was noted for honesty and integrity in delivering the news. A pioneer of television news broadcasting, Murrow produced a series of TV news reports that helped lead to the censure of Senator Joseph McCarthy.

Reviews

[Polly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the text of the original series on which the current NPR series is based. There were many excellent essays that resonated with me. Because each essay expresses a person's most profound thoughts, it is a book to read slowly. I was struck by how different it is from the current series (which I have also enjoyed)--in this book from 1952 almost every person, regardless of age, education, fame, or profession, expressed an underlying belief in God. It was acceptable to mention God as part of public discourse, and personal beliefs were less politicized. Service in the "first war" and the "last war" is often referred to in individual bios. I was also interested at how often people referred to the hectic pace of modern life, which we seem to think defines only our day and age.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

The original “This I Believe” is pretty good, but I really enjoyed the 2nd book of the new series the best of all of that I’ve read of “This I Believe.” Part of the problem is that it was written in 1952, so the writing style and some references are dated and lost, so hard to relate to. Some of the essays had been reprinted in the first book of the modern version, and they really were the best from this collection. Still, it was very interesting to compare the times, and it’s almost like the times haven’t changed much. What was written about 60 years ago – race relations, fears of war, the decline of values, etc. – is still relevant today. Worth the read from a historical perspective; but as mentioned earlier, the modern version has the best from this one.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book. I found it on my grandparents' bookshelf when they passed. Very insightful commentaries/philosophies.

[David Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great essays and a reminder that many of our perceived problems faced a prior generation. I found many of the essay's more comforting than I think I'd find from current authors -- most referenced spirituality as a big part of life.

[John Kaufmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with any collection like this, some of the selections were excellent, some were predictable, a few were superficial. Given the 1952 publication date, many of the philosophies were much more traditional than the more recent collection by Jay Allison This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women.