59 pages • 1 hour read
Jay Allison, Dan GedimanThis I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women
Nonfiction | Essay Collection | Adult | Published in 2006A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Background
Cultural Context: The USA in the 1950s and Early 2000s
The essays compiled in this volume were collected from diverse members of the American public and prominent public figures. The essays therefore capture a broad snapshot of the beliefs and cultural values held by the general population of the United States, and reflect the importance of the individual credo in a pluralistic society. Most of these essays were written during the mid-2000s but a significant subset were written during the 1950s, and so the collection reflects the cultural values and social context of both eras.
During the 1950s, American culture was heavily influenced by the political tensions of the Cold War. The threat of nuclear war was a constant source of tension, as was the “Red Scare” fear of Communist infiltration, and the menace of an increasingly paranoid and authoritative government. After the upheaval of two World Wars, a desire for normalcy and security led to a resurgence of traditional, conservative values and lifestyles. The Civil Rights Movement was in its infancy, gender inequality was the norm, and the country was starkly divided on social, political, and cultural matters.
Much had changed by the opening decade of the 21st century, which proved to be a period of intense social and political change for America. Technological advancements involved in the digital revolution contributed to a period of hitherto unprecedented globalization and cross-cultural dialogue, as well as the eclipsed primacy of radio communication in favor of alternative media formats, like television and the internet. Gender and racial equality now had some legal protection, although in practice inequality remained prevalent.
As was the case during the 1950s, international tensions created a socio-political aura of menace, particularly during the War on Terror in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This too was a period of significant political tension and social division, which is reflected in many of the essays in this volume, as well as the motivation of its editors to revive the This I Believe radio program in pursuit of its original goals of understanding and tolerance.
Critical Context: Impact and Legacy of This I Believe
The original radio program This I Believe ran from 1951-1955 and received an overwhelmingly positive popular and critical response. The popularity of the show led to numerous regional and international spin-off programs, the global publication of essay compilations, and the later 2000s revival of the show and the publication of this 2006 volume. Despite having fallen into obscurity in the intervening 50 years, both the old and new iterations of the This I Believe radio program have reached a widespread and diverse audience. This I Believe, Inc. is now a registered charity promoting the message and mission of the original radio program, and its official website contains over 125,000 essays.
The 2007 book This I Believe has received similarly positive critical reviews to the radio show. It became a New York Times Bestseller, and has been praised for its compelling and heartfelt narratives that promote understanding and tolerance. The collection is noted for its simplicity and depth, allowing readers to ponder their own beliefs and values. Its commercial success has since led to the publication of a second volume This I Believe II, which also became a New York Times Bestseller. Additional books containing essays from particular regions (e.g., Kentucky or Philadelphia) and focusing on particular topics such as motherhood, fatherhood, love, and life lessons have also since been released.
