Journal #1
Madison Robinson
Terkel:
1) The foreword of This I Believe written by Studs Terkel highlights the
importance of individual thoughts and of speaking out or acting on
topics you believe in. Terkel also expresses how humans are inclined
to seek their own versions of the truth in the world.
2) The line that reads “What you see with your own eyes may differ from
the perceived official truth,” resonates with me (Terkel xviii). When I
read this line, it made me think further about how each person has
their own ideas of what the truth is, whether it be about the world, or
about a smaller topic. Though people are influenced by the
environment that they are surrounded by, they still develop their own
truth.
3) The lines that read “So, my credo consists of the pursuit and the act.
One without the other is self-indulgence” were the lines I found most
confusing to comprehend (Terkel xxiii). If he is referring to the pursuit
and act of happiness, I struggle to understand how those ideas on
their own can be considered self-indulgence. I believe it is important
to search for aspects of life that bring yourself happiness, and I don’t
think that it necessarily has a negative impact on those around.
Gediman:
1) The afterword of This I Believe written by Dan Gedimen explains how
the idea of the radio show came to be and highlights the many
different people than went into the production. It also expresses the
fact that the events occurring around the world as well as the popular
people at any given moment have an impact on individual beliefs.
2) One line that I found especially intriguing was “all of these writers had
dug deeply inside themselves to discern what they truly believed- and
then had the courage to share it with the world” (Gediman 261). This
statement was captivating for me because it reminded me that
speaking out about difficult topics is something that is uncomfortable
for everyone, yet it is still important. I personally struggle with
expressing my thoughts, and this gave me some encouragement to
try harder to be more open about my thoughts and share what I
believe.
3) The idea that most confused me in this afterword was the abrupt
ending the radio program. Because this was so popular during its
time running, I wonder why there was not more effort in attempting to
start it back up, even after the disappearance of Wheelock. It makes
me question the response that society would have if the show were to
be around today, with guests from our new modernized world.
There are many big ideas in the 2 essays we read. The first essay by Studs Terkel is broad and tends to be unfocused. Studs talks about his ideas of what truth really is and how many people are afraid of the truth and what truth really is. He goes on about the truth for a long while. He references multiple wars during this part for a reason I am not really sure of. He then talks about the pursuit of happiness very quickly before mentioning Helen Keller. Studs thinks that she has a larger understanding of the human race and seeing the world more clearly. There is a mention of the liberal and conservative political views and how they have shifted compared to our thinking of it now. At that time conservative in Studs time was about literally conserving the environment. He then goes on to talk quickly about religion and shame agnostic people as cowardly atheists which I, as an agnostic, thought was hilarious. What stood out to me the most was the way he thought about the people who live in the world around him. He says a quote that I am truly considering getting tatted, “Ordinary Americans, who at times, are extraordinary in their insights and dreams.” ST. I would have to have Studs T. because that is hilarious to get Studs permanently written on my body. This quote and the following text after the liberal conservative battle is eye opening on how feels and respects the people around him and their unique suffrage and stories. He uses those people’s stories being special to remind himself that he also matters in his stories. In the end I really resonate with the text and Terkel’s ability to see into people and what they have and what matters about them.
Journal #1: Forward – Studs Terkel:
This piece of writing was very interesting to me, I enjoyed reading Foreword. From my reading and annotations, I believe that the big idea of this piece would be to empower people to know how important their voices truly are. In life, people can be scared to speak up about something that they find needs improvement or change but that is what this piece shows.
A piece in the text that I liked personally, was the description of being an activist. In the text it states “Being an activist is self-explanatory: you act, you take part of something outside yourself. You join with others, who may astonish you in thinking precisely as you do on the subject, say, of war, civil liberties, human rights”. The statement that was given is something that I believe people in today’s society would still agree with. The definition and being an activist is something that may be personally different to others from experience, but the statement that was given in the text is something that still holds true today.
A piece in the text that I disagreed with would be how the text described being a “liberal” and “conservative”. This is not because of politics but because the definitions that were given in the text are not the same definitions that today society uses today. Society is something that is rapidly changing, and with that words and certain acts also change.
Afterword – Dan Gediman:
This piece of writing was also very interesting to me. This piece of writing explained the history of the very popular “This I Believe” program. This program first interviewed well-known men and women to share their personal beliefs which led their lives. This was created to help with the “spiritual state of the nation”. “They blamed a combination of factors, including the uncertainty of the economic future, the shadow of war, the atom bomb, army services for one’s self or loved ones, the frustration of young people facing the future.” This program was to uplift others, and maybe be a distraction for people. To have people listen about another person’s life and experiences so they couldn’t think about what was going on in their personal life that might have been scary.
A piece of text that I liked personally would be the letter that was sent to the “This I Believe” staff. The letter was from a housewife, stating that she was more interested in hearing the beliefs of average people in the world, people like herself. After that letter was sent, more average people were being put on the program. “…the series took a decidedly more populist tack, featuring essays from cabdrivers, teachers, longshoremen, nurses, Pullman porters, incarcerated convicts, and, indeed, housewives”. This letter created change for the program and for people to relate more to stories. This shows that using your voice can create change that can be positive for others.
I personally didn’t disagree with anything that was stated in the text. Also nothing seemed to confuse me, but this piece of writing made me think what it would be like to have a version of “This I Believe”, today. The program was created during a time that was experiencing lots of events that made people unsure for the future, and I think that is still happening today. In society today, there are wars occurring, economic hardships, and like in the past the frustration that young people are facing about their futures. I wonder if sharing peoples stories today, what people believe would have the same effect as it did in the past. With that being stated, would another version of “This I Believe” help people in society today?
The foreword of any book serves to introduce you to the content you will be
reading. Whether the foreword is from the author themselves, a member of a
publishing company, or maybe someone completely random, they all write this
part of the book with the intent to showcase the content inside. That is exactly
what Terkel does in his foreword essay. I do not know if his essay was simply
chosen at random to be at the front, or if he wrote this with the foreword in
mind, but either way his essay perfectly introduces you to what “This I Believe”
is all about. He discusses his own views upon life, quotes and paraphrases from
other prominent figures, and points out how little personal views seem to
change in history.
There is a section within this essay where Terkel talks about faith, and the
idea of a higher being. He mentions that is an agnostic, which is someone who
doesn’t believe in any explicit religion, but perhaps believes in some higher
power or being. Terkel also brings up that agnostics are often called cowardly
atheists, and he says that maybe he is one. There could be something higher
than all of us, and there could not, and neither side of this argument has been
able to completely disprove the other. There could also be a God in all of us. Are
we not all made of the same elements? Are our bodies not composed of the same
materials that make stars? I found his reasoning behind being agnostic very
interesting to read about, although brief.
I did not enjoy his discussion of conservatism and liberalism. In the
paragraph that he talks about this, he uses the dictionary definition of liberal,
and his own connotation to describe conservative. He goes on to describe
himself as a radical conservative. I disagree; he is a liberal in every sense of the
word. Conservatism in politics and conservatism in regards to our physical
world are two entirely different things. If this is his preferred way of labeling his
politics, who am I to judge, but I do think that labels hold explicit definitions
and connotations that should be used.
Similar to a foreword, an afterword is supposed to wrap up what the book
discussed. It can be another essay, like Gediman’s, or it can be a short entry by
the author of the book. Gediman’s essay is a perfect summary of the “This I
Believe” project, and its very rich history. I enjoyed learning about all of people
and organizations involved in this project, and how it got to be to where it is
today. The main goal of Gediman’s essay was to do just that. I think he wanted to
provide readers with the entire background of “This I Believe” and its entire
journey.
Geidman has a section of his essay where he talks about how the original
creator of “This I Believe”, Ward Wheelock, went on a cruise with his new wife
and one of his two sons. The ship disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle, and
without his father to direct the project, Wheelocks last suriving son couldn’t
keep the project going. I admit I am fascinated by how “This I Believe” originally
ended. Losing funding seems rather normal at first for a company, but then
having the original head of the project disappear in the Bermuda Triangle? That
is morbidly fascinating to me.
I admit I was confused when first reading how “This I Believe” came about.
People tend to hold onto a deceased loved ones belongings as a way to remember
them, and after Margot Wheelock died, Ward Wheelock became obsessed with a
little scrap of paper she had saved that talked about needing inner balance in
ones life. I suppose it is a good thing he was obsessed with it, but I still find
myself wondering why his mind chose to focus on just that clip of paper.
Forward:
The main idea of the foreword as I interpreted it is that everyone believes in different things. The whole world is up to your own interpretation and it is the pursuit of your own version of the truth that truly matters in the end.
My favorite part of the forward was, “There is something we can do while we’re alive and breathing on this planet. It is to become an activist in this pursuit of a world in which it would be easier for people to behave decently.” (xxii, Terkel). This is because I firmly believe that everyone should do their part to be decent human beings. Nothing good ever comes from conflict so why should it be such a normalized thing in today’s world?
One part of the forward that I disagree with is, “‘I believe in the pursuit of happiness. Not its attainment, nor its final definition, but its pursuit.”’ (xix, Terkel). I disagree with this statement because I believe that while yes the pursuit of happiness is an extremely relevant part of everyone’s life, it is also important to appreciate the happiness once you finally attain it and not just worry about the pursuit.
Afterword
The main purpose of the afterword was to explain to the reader the depth of history that is behind the writing of This I Believe.
My favorite lines in the afterword are “When Mrs. Wheelock died in the following week after a long illness, this clipping became very important to her husband, Ward Wheelock, triggering in him a need to examine his own beliefs, and urge others to do so as well.” (262, Gediman). I like this line because it shows how love and grief can push someone to think of new ideas and spread them to others.
The line that confused me the most was “…’I’m lecturing to Albert Einstein on physics!” This line just didn’t make sense to me as I read it and I’m still confused.
In the forward to This I Believe, Studs Terkel sets up what this anthology book will be composed of. Terkel brings up the beliefs of people such as James Cameron, Andrew Sullivan, and Ed Murrow. This forward is formatted like a brain dump of thoughts and ideas from Terkel, as he brings up subjects like the nature of truth, being agnostic, and the value of community. I believe the main idea of this forward is presenting the format of this anthology book, which is a collection of essays about the opinions and ideas of many people throughout history. James Cameron’s statement after being condemned as being non-objective stood out to me: “‘I may not have always been satisfactorily balanced; I always tended to argue that objectivity was of less importance than the truth.’” I picked this line out because I believe what he’s saying is true. What I don’t understand is the line “perhaps I do believe there is a God deposited in each of us ever since the Big Bang.” To me this is a bunch of mumbo jumbo.
The afterword of This I Believe is a history of the radio program This I Believe. The main idea of this afterword is to convey the significance of This I Believe, which I believe it effectively does so. In the foreword there was an excerpt that grabbed my attention: the series took a decidedly more populist tack, featuring essays from cabdrivers, teachers, longshoremen, nurses, Pullman porters, incarcerated convicts, and, indeed, housewives.” This surprised me, as I’ve never really heard of a radio program broadcasting the views of the average person, especially since the program was originally meant to broadcast the beliefs of well-known people. There’s nothing in this section that I disagree with or that confuses me, but the fact that Ward Wheelcock disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle strikes me as interesting: “On January 18, 1995, the boat disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle.” There’s nothing supernatural about the Bermuda Triangle so I don’t understand why boats kept disappearing inside it.
Foreword by Studs Terkel talks about liberals and conservatives, tons of different poets. The Big Idea showcases the importance of seeing history through multiple voices from ordinary people. The line that I circled stood out because of the way it’s worded. Instead of just saying it sounds like 2006 but was written in 1952 he added some “spice” to make it sound more interesting. He could have left that sentence all boring, but instead he decided to make it sound more appealing. It’s not as boring as just saying what it is. A line that confuses me is the one that mentions someone told the doctors and nurses actual medical professionals to wash their hands. This confuses me because shouldn’t they know that they have to wash their hands and keep everything clean and sterile. How did they become doctors and nurses if they didn’t. I’m pretty sure that that is just about one of the first things that you learn in medical school. It’s also just common sense to wash your hands before doing anything. I don’t know why this bothers me more than it probably should, but I just assumed that it would be common knowledge to do what is required for your job without being told to do it.
Afterword by Dan Gediman, talks about the making of a book and its significance in preserving voices from ordinary people. The idea is to bring to attention the importance of everyday voices to help with understanding history and social issues. The selected line that was chosen directly mentions how old he thought the book looked. Now that doesn’t mean that it was actually 50 years old. It could just be a well loved, worn and used book. Books that look like that are usually well loved. He made an assumption based on how something looked. He didn’t take a minute to look at it before deciding anything about the book he just jumped right to the assumption.The line chosen is the whole bottom paragraph on the front page. He talks about how the book looks and what he thought was written in it. He thought that it was filled with philosophies from tons of people from tons of places. Ultimately he thought that the book was boring. It kind of makes me sad that he thought that any book would be boring and that it wouldn’t have anything good to read in it. If you’re really interested in something you will read almost anything and can learn from most books if not all.
This is a big idea on the basis of what truth is, and how different people have perceived it. I circled a very short paragraph because it was clear that the author wanted to bring attention to it, based on the size of the paragraph, and its location in the writing. It is what the writing from the start was leading up to, which is how the chase in life is always after the real truth of any situation or belief.
The part of this that I questioned immediately was a quote from Errol Morris, because it was about how truth is not relative, but how there is one truth for everything all the time. I believe this when it is a question of physicality, however not when it is a question of deeper more complex matters. He does go on to say how it may be hidden or elusive, which then puts me in an uncertain state on the matter.
I think there are a lot of key themes in this reading but for me the big idea was the importance of shared truth and beliefs. Terkle uses Errol Morris to explain how “the pursuit of truth” can oftentimes be uncertain and disappointing. Morris’s work shows how hard the truth can be to pin down, not everyone has the same perspective and people remember events differently. Yet, the process of investigation and inquiry is crucial, as it allows for the emergence of answers and the revelation of genuine facts. To me the pursuit of shared truth isn’t about the outcome of finally finding the answers but encouraging meaningful conversations, and fostering a more close and honest society. When we ask questions and share our beliefs we can bring significant community and societal changes.
“Once you join others, even though at first your mission fails, you become a different person, a much stronger one. You feel that you really count, you discover your strength as an individual because you have along the way discovered other share in what you believe, you are not alone; and thus a community is formed.” I really enjoyed reading this quote Terkel quoted from Einstein because it highlights the transformative power of community, where individuals can grow personally and find strength in validation of their own shared beliefs, realizing that they are not alone and can finally gain a sense of belonging.
Terkel’s idea that communities always make individuals stronger can be a bit unclear. While sharing your beliefs can create a sense of belonging and is inspiring , it overlooks the potential downside of group dynamics. For example in certain communities, there can be pressure to conform to their beliefs or behaviors which can make an individual feel even more hesitant to express their ideas and opinions. Some communities have strong leaders with rigid structures, where opposing opinions may be discouraged or even ignored. Overall, it’s important to understand that relationships between communities and individuals can have both positive and negative effects on personal development. Consequently, it’s more important to seek out communities that value individuality and encourage open expression rather than those that promote narrow-mindedness and strict adherence to societal norms.
Dan Gediman Questions:
The big idea in this piece was to highlight the beginning of “This I Believe” and how one powerful idea can inspire communities all around the world to connect on impactful conversations. This reading talks about how this book about “the living philosophies of one hundred men and women in all walks of life” became a top 10 bestseller for three years.
I find this reading incredibly interesting because of the intense popularity “This I believe” gained all around the world after Mrs. Wheelock decided to take a clipping from a bulletin board talking about “the need for an inner balance to maintain one’s life.” These stories range from ordinary people to famous ones fostering the understanding for meaningful dialogue and the importance of different backgrounds. As they share their unique experiences they are inspiring individuals all around the world to express their own core beliefs.
I was particularly struck by Gediman’s beginning statement, “ all these writers had dug deeply inside themselves to discern what they truly believed—and then had the courage to share it with the world.” Writing these essays requires profound self-reflection. It’s not easy to share your thoughts publicly, especially when society likes to differ from societal norms . However, being someone who is able to put themselves out there is a valuable lesson for everyone around the world.
Something confusing to me was how quickly the series came to an end despite the increase in popularity. It’s fascinating how quick something can become successful and then suddenly disappear due to sponsoring pulling business. I feel they should have gone into further detail about the downfall of the studio series because there is some grey area that as a reader I definitely want to know more about!
The big idea of this piece is that the pursuit of truth, more specifically the journey toward finding it, is an experience that can unite human kind. This can be seen as the author mentions a variety of famous figures throughout history; all from different backgrounds, separate time periods, and perhaps even with very differing opinions. But what unites them is that they believe that the pursuit, the very journey toward a truth, is above all one of the most important things one can do in this world.
A quote that I really enjoyed from this piece was when the author states “Yet there is something which I believe with no uncertainty. There is something we can do while we’re alive and breathing on this planet.”
To me, I believe that he is saying that while this world at times may make us feel as if we are so small and insignificant that we can never accomplish anything, it is still essential to take action toward a truthful cause. Because even if at the end, nothing substantial has been accomplished, the very act of joining together with others, partaking in something bigger than yourself, creates a united community that can still make change, even if it is a relatively small one.
One idea that I disagreed with in this piece was when the author stated “We need not dwell on the old question: What is truth?” I believe that while he is right in the sense that it is a topic that should not linger on forever, it is also still an important one to discuss. Because when asking the question “what is truth?”, it is rare for two answers to be exactly the same. It is a question that is thought provoking, in that, through our life experiences, we all have different perspectives on what truth means to us.
Gediman
The big idea of this piece was giving light to the origins of the “This I Believe” program and the significant outreach and impact it had not only in the United States, but also all throughout the world. This piece explained that the message of sharing one’s personal beliefs, whether it be from a celebrity or a regular day to day citizen, carried such an immense message that the program became a huge success, to the point where the essays were being sold and translated into several different languages.
In the piece, I liked when the author stated that the “This I Believe” essays were powerful “not only in showcasing the beliefs of a new generation, but in allowing people to read the inspiring and still timely words of their parents and grandparents generation.” I really enjoyed reading this particular quote because it showed to me that even with a distance spanning decades, we as human beings are able to connect and relate with each other, whether that be with those in the present day, or even to those who have passed long before us. Through a simple streamline of truth, new beliefs can be shared with one another today, and old beliefs can still be as relevant as they were 100 years ago.
3) I don’t agree with the author when they stated that the This I Believe program “slowly faded into obscurity”. While it is true the program may have lost some of its popularity, its legacy has also made such an impact that we are still studying and analyzing its essays in present times. This work that I am doing right now, by reading about the This I Believe legacy, is clear proof that these stories have not “faded” away or lost any of their relevance, as they are still being heard, appreciated, and discussed today.
Foreword by Studs Terkel:
What is it? What’s the big idea in this piece?
The big idea in this piece is the pursuit of meaning through personal experiences. Terkel mentions the pursuit of happiness and how the journey will teach you more than the thought or the outcome. He suggests in his essay that people discover new things about themselves, others, and the world through lived experiences, all of which lead one to build their system of beliefs.
Locate 1 idea in the essay and circle it. Explain why you like what you circled.
On pages xxii-xxiii, Terkel states, “Once you join others, even though at first your mission fails, you become a different person…you discover your strength as an individual…you are not alone; and thus a community is formed” (Terkel xxii-xxiii).
Locate 1 idea that confuses you or you disagree with. Explain what confuses you or why you disagree.
When Terkel talks about objectivity being of lower importance than the truth I get confused because objectivity is used to make sure the world follows some standard of factual accuracy. Terkel describes subjective, personal experiences to lead people to believing a deeper kind of truth. However, subjective truths above facts could leave people believing in things that are not accurate.
Afterword: The History of This I Believe: The Power of an Idea by Dan Gediman:
What is it? What’s the big idea in this piece?
The big idea in Gediman’s piece is genuine connection and understanding. He leads us through the underlying theme that everyone comes from different backgrounds but understanding each other and ourselves through core values leads us to making real connections.
Locate 1 idea in the essay and circle it. Explain why you like what you circled.
Gediman brings up the idea that “…all of these writers had dug deeply inside themselves to discern what they truly believed – and then had the courage to share it with the world” (Gediman 261). I like this idea because it supports the theme of understanding. If other people can share their personal beliefs with the world to create connections, humans should be able to share their beliefs with their peers to create genuine lifelong bonds.
Locate 1 idea that confuses you or you disagree with. Explain what confuses you or why you disagree.
Although I like the idea of creating connections through beliefs, Gediman also puts stress on the idea of empathy changing people’s minds. This is a confusing idea because people can listen to differing beliefs and still hold onto their ideas just as strongly. While empathy is important, I don’t agree that it will always lead to the deeper connection in society that Gediman hopes for.
What is it? What’s the big idea in this piece?- The big idea in this piece is sharing your beliefs and opinions and being passionate about what you believe in. Terkel mentions “being an activist” and taking part in something other than yourself.
1 idea/concept/or line I like and why?-
“How will one who guesses right be able to collect his winnings?” (21) – I liked this line from the passage because when it is talking about religion and beliefs and how controversial this topic can be in day to day life at the end of the day how will we ever truly be able to be proven right or wrong? There is really no point in arguing at times because like the line says “how will one who guesses right be able to collect his
winnings?”.
1 idea/concept/or line I am confused or disagree with and why?- I did not find something I was confused or disagreed with in this passage.
Dan Gediman, Afterword
What is it? What’s the big idea in this piece?- This piece provides the historical context of the book itself and how it started and the importance behind it.
1 idea/concept/or line I like and why?- “She was more interested in hearing the beliefs of average citizens, such as herself.” (263)- I liked this line because I find it relatable. I think oftentimes you hear the success stories or opinions of people who are already successful and I think that makes it harder to relate to. With hearing the stories of more average people I find it to be almost more encouraging and relatable.
1 idea/concept/or line I am confused or disagree with and why?- I did not feel as though there was anything I did not understand.
I thought the reading was interesting and one of the core ideas that I found is finding out you’re not alone in your beliefs and it can be a life changing experience. The author points out that when you discover others that share your convictions, it not only makes you feel like you truly matter but also helps you find your own strength as an individual. Thats the very moment a genuine community is formed. Something that I disagree with is “My credo consists of the pursuit of act. One without the other is self-indulgence”. To me I found it powerful as I would argue that a ongoing pursuit for a belief in peace is valuable on its own. It doesn’t account for the internal good it has or the personal growth that can come from a deeply held belief.
Afterward-Dan Gediman
The big idea that I found for this text is the timeless relevance of personal philosophy. The author finds that a decades-old book of beliefs feels completely current, showing how sharing one’s core convictions is a powerful and enduring way to combat social uncertainty. The central concept I found is the courage to share your convictions. It’s the simple yet brave act of both famous and everyday people publicly declaring their personal truths that makes the series so impactful. One of the things that I question is the show’s founding premise. The creators believed a five-minute program could fix a national “spiritual crisis” I say that’s a small solution for the bigger problem.
14 thoughts on “JOURNAL # 1”
Journal #1
Madison Robinson
Terkel:
1) The foreword of This I Believe written by Studs Terkel highlights the
importance of individual thoughts and of speaking out or acting on
topics you believe in. Terkel also expresses how humans are inclined
to seek their own versions of the truth in the world.
2) The line that reads “What you see with your own eyes may differ from
the perceived official truth,” resonates with me (Terkel xviii). When I
read this line, it made me think further about how each person has
their own ideas of what the truth is, whether it be about the world, or
about a smaller topic. Though people are influenced by the
environment that they are surrounded by, they still develop their own
truth.
3) The lines that read “So, my credo consists of the pursuit and the act.
One without the other is self-indulgence” were the lines I found most
confusing to comprehend (Terkel xxiii). If he is referring to the pursuit
and act of happiness, I struggle to understand how those ideas on
their own can be considered self-indulgence. I believe it is important
to search for aspects of life that bring yourself happiness, and I don’t
think that it necessarily has a negative impact on those around.
Gediman:
1) The afterword of This I Believe written by Dan Gedimen explains how
the idea of the radio show came to be and highlights the many
different people than went into the production. It also expresses the
fact that the events occurring around the world as well as the popular
people at any given moment have an impact on individual beliefs.
2) One line that I found especially intriguing was “all of these writers had
dug deeply inside themselves to discern what they truly believed- and
then had the courage to share it with the world” (Gediman 261). This
statement was captivating for me because it reminded me that
speaking out about difficult topics is something that is uncomfortable
for everyone, yet it is still important. I personally struggle with
expressing my thoughts, and this gave me some encouragement to
try harder to be more open about my thoughts and share what I
believe.
3) The idea that most confused me in this afterword was the abrupt
ending the radio program. Because this was so popular during its
time running, I wonder why there was not more effort in attempting to
start it back up, even after the disappearance of Wheelock. It makes
me question the response that society would have if the show were to
be around today, with guests from our new modernized world.
file:///Users/sierrabowlin/Downloads/Journal%20One%20for%20FYS%20.pdf
Journal 1 big ideas of essays
There are many big ideas in the 2 essays we read. The first essay by Studs Terkel is broad and tends to be unfocused. Studs talks about his ideas of what truth really is and how many people are afraid of the truth and what truth really is. He goes on about the truth for a long while. He references multiple wars during this part for a reason I am not really sure of. He then talks about the pursuit of happiness very quickly before mentioning Helen Keller. Studs thinks that she has a larger understanding of the human race and seeing the world more clearly. There is a mention of the liberal and conservative political views and how they have shifted compared to our thinking of it now. At that time conservative in Studs time was about literally conserving the environment. He then goes on to talk quickly about religion and shame agnostic people as cowardly atheists which I, as an agnostic, thought was hilarious. What stood out to me the most was the way he thought about the people who live in the world around him. He says a quote that I am truly considering getting tatted, “Ordinary Americans, who at times, are extraordinary in their insights and dreams.” ST. I would have to have Studs T. because that is hilarious to get Studs permanently written on my body. This quote and the following text after the liberal conservative battle is eye opening on how feels and respects the people around him and their unique suffrage and stories. He uses those people’s stories being special to remind himself that he also matters in his stories. In the end I really resonate with the text and Terkel’s ability to see into people and what they have and what matters about them.
Journal #1: Forward – Studs Terkel:
This piece of writing was very interesting to me, I enjoyed reading Foreword. From my reading and annotations, I believe that the big idea of this piece would be to empower people to know how important their voices truly are. In life, people can be scared to speak up about something that they find needs improvement or change but that is what this piece shows.
A piece in the text that I liked personally, was the description of being an activist. In the text it states “Being an activist is self-explanatory: you act, you take part of something outside yourself. You join with others, who may astonish you in thinking precisely as you do on the subject, say, of war, civil liberties, human rights”. The statement that was given is something that I believe people in today’s society would still agree with. The definition and being an activist is something that may be personally different to others from experience, but the statement that was given in the text is something that still holds true today.
A piece in the text that I disagreed with would be how the text described being a “liberal” and “conservative”. This is not because of politics but because the definitions that were given in the text are not the same definitions that today society uses today. Society is something that is rapidly changing, and with that words and certain acts also change.
Afterword – Dan Gediman:
This piece of writing was also very interesting to me. This piece of writing explained the history of the very popular “This I Believe” program. This program first interviewed well-known men and women to share their personal beliefs which led their lives. This was created to help with the “spiritual state of the nation”. “They blamed a combination of factors, including the uncertainty of the economic future, the shadow of war, the atom bomb, army services for one’s self or loved ones, the frustration of young people facing the future.” This program was to uplift others, and maybe be a distraction for people. To have people listen about another person’s life and experiences so they couldn’t think about what was going on in their personal life that might have been scary.
A piece of text that I liked personally would be the letter that was sent to the “This I Believe” staff. The letter was from a housewife, stating that she was more interested in hearing the beliefs of average people in the world, people like herself. After that letter was sent, more average people were being put on the program. “…the series took a decidedly more populist tack, featuring essays from cabdrivers, teachers, longshoremen, nurses, Pullman porters, incarcerated convicts, and, indeed, housewives”. This letter created change for the program and for people to relate more to stories. This shows that using your voice can create change that can be positive for others.
I personally didn’t disagree with anything that was stated in the text. Also nothing seemed to confuse me, but this piece of writing made me think what it would be like to have a version of “This I Believe”, today. The program was created during a time that was experiencing lots of events that made people unsure for the future, and I think that is still happening today. In society today, there are wars occurring, economic hardships, and like in the past the frustration that young people are facing about their futures. I wonder if sharing peoples stories today, what people believe would have the same effect as it did in the past. With that being stated, would another version of “This I Believe” help people in society today?
The foreword of any book serves to introduce you to the content you will be
reading. Whether the foreword is from the author themselves, a member of a
publishing company, or maybe someone completely random, they all write this
part of the book with the intent to showcase the content inside. That is exactly
what Terkel does in his foreword essay. I do not know if his essay was simply
chosen at random to be at the front, or if he wrote this with the foreword in
mind, but either way his essay perfectly introduces you to what “This I Believe”
is all about. He discusses his own views upon life, quotes and paraphrases from
other prominent figures, and points out how little personal views seem to
change in history.
There is a section within this essay where Terkel talks about faith, and the
idea of a higher being. He mentions that is an agnostic, which is someone who
doesn’t believe in any explicit religion, but perhaps believes in some higher
power or being. Terkel also brings up that agnostics are often called cowardly
atheists, and he says that maybe he is one. There could be something higher
than all of us, and there could not, and neither side of this argument has been
able to completely disprove the other. There could also be a God in all of us. Are
we not all made of the same elements? Are our bodies not composed of the same
materials that make stars? I found his reasoning behind being agnostic very
interesting to read about, although brief.
I did not enjoy his discussion of conservatism and liberalism. In the
paragraph that he talks about this, he uses the dictionary definition of liberal,
and his own connotation to describe conservative. He goes on to describe
himself as a radical conservative. I disagree; he is a liberal in every sense of the
word. Conservatism in politics and conservatism in regards to our physical
world are two entirely different things. If this is his preferred way of labeling his
politics, who am I to judge, but I do think that labels hold explicit definitions
and connotations that should be used.
Similar to a foreword, an afterword is supposed to wrap up what the book
discussed. It can be another essay, like Gediman’s, or it can be a short entry by
the author of the book. Gediman’s essay is a perfect summary of the “This I
Believe” project, and its very rich history. I enjoyed learning about all of people
and organizations involved in this project, and how it got to be to where it is
today. The main goal of Gediman’s essay was to do just that. I think he wanted to
provide readers with the entire background of “This I Believe” and its entire
journey.
Geidman has a section of his essay where he talks about how the original
creator of “This I Believe”, Ward Wheelock, went on a cruise with his new wife
and one of his two sons. The ship disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle, and
without his father to direct the project, Wheelocks last suriving son couldn’t
keep the project going. I admit I am fascinated by how “This I Believe” originally
ended. Losing funding seems rather normal at first for a company, but then
having the original head of the project disappear in the Bermuda Triangle? That
is morbidly fascinating to me.
I admit I was confused when first reading how “This I Believe” came about.
People tend to hold onto a deceased loved ones belongings as a way to remember
them, and after Margot Wheelock died, Ward Wheelock became obsessed with a
little scrap of paper she had saved that talked about needing inner balance in
ones life. I suppose it is a good thing he was obsessed with it, but I still find
myself wondering why his mind chose to focus on just that clip of paper.
Forward:
The main idea of the foreword as I interpreted it is that everyone believes in different things. The whole world is up to your own interpretation and it is the pursuit of your own version of the truth that truly matters in the end.
My favorite part of the forward was, “There is something we can do while we’re alive and breathing on this planet. It is to become an activist in this pursuit of a world in which it would be easier for people to behave decently.” (xxii, Terkel). This is because I firmly believe that everyone should do their part to be decent human beings. Nothing good ever comes from conflict so why should it be such a normalized thing in today’s world?
One part of the forward that I disagree with is, “‘I believe in the pursuit of happiness. Not its attainment, nor its final definition, but its pursuit.”’ (xix, Terkel). I disagree with this statement because I believe that while yes the pursuit of happiness is an extremely relevant part of everyone’s life, it is also important to appreciate the happiness once you finally attain it and not just worry about the pursuit.
Afterword
The main purpose of the afterword was to explain to the reader the depth of history that is behind the writing of This I Believe.
My favorite lines in the afterword are “When Mrs. Wheelock died in the following week after a long illness, this clipping became very important to her husband, Ward Wheelock, triggering in him a need to examine his own beliefs, and urge others to do so as well.” (262, Gediman). I like this line because it shows how love and grief can push someone to think of new ideas and spread them to others.
The line that confused me the most was “…’I’m lecturing to Albert Einstein on physics!” This line just didn’t make sense to me as I read it and I’m still confused.
In the forward to This I Believe, Studs Terkel sets up what this anthology book will be composed of. Terkel brings up the beliefs of people such as James Cameron, Andrew Sullivan, and Ed Murrow. This forward is formatted like a brain dump of thoughts and ideas from Terkel, as he brings up subjects like the nature of truth, being agnostic, and the value of community. I believe the main idea of this forward is presenting the format of this anthology book, which is a collection of essays about the opinions and ideas of many people throughout history. James Cameron’s statement after being condemned as being non-objective stood out to me: “‘I may not have always been satisfactorily balanced; I always tended to argue that objectivity was of less importance than the truth.’” I picked this line out because I believe what he’s saying is true. What I don’t understand is the line “perhaps I do believe there is a God deposited in each of us ever since the Big Bang.” To me this is a bunch of mumbo jumbo.
The afterword of This I Believe is a history of the radio program This I Believe. The main idea of this afterword is to convey the significance of This I Believe, which I believe it effectively does so. In the foreword there was an excerpt that grabbed my attention: the series took a decidedly more populist tack, featuring essays from cabdrivers, teachers, longshoremen, nurses, Pullman porters, incarcerated convicts, and, indeed, housewives.” This surprised me, as I’ve never really heard of a radio program broadcasting the views of the average person, especially since the program was originally meant to broadcast the beliefs of well-known people. There’s nothing in this section that I disagree with or that confuses me, but the fact that Ward Wheelcock disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle strikes me as interesting: “On January 18, 1995, the boat disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle.” There’s nothing supernatural about the Bermuda Triangle so I don’t understand why boats kept disappearing inside it.
Foreword by Studs Terkel talks about liberals and conservatives, tons of different poets. The Big Idea showcases the importance of seeing history through multiple voices from ordinary people. The line that I circled stood out because of the way it’s worded. Instead of just saying it sounds like 2006 but was written in 1952 he added some “spice” to make it sound more interesting. He could have left that sentence all boring, but instead he decided to make it sound more appealing. It’s not as boring as just saying what it is. A line that confuses me is the one that mentions someone told the doctors and nurses actual medical professionals to wash their hands. This confuses me because shouldn’t they know that they have to wash their hands and keep everything clean and sterile. How did they become doctors and nurses if they didn’t. I’m pretty sure that that is just about one of the first things that you learn in medical school. It’s also just common sense to wash your hands before doing anything. I don’t know why this bothers me more than it probably should, but I just assumed that it would be common knowledge to do what is required for your job without being told to do it.
Afterword by Dan Gediman, talks about the making of a book and its significance in preserving voices from ordinary people. The idea is to bring to attention the importance of everyday voices to help with understanding history and social issues. The selected line that was chosen directly mentions how old he thought the book looked. Now that doesn’t mean that it was actually 50 years old. It could just be a well loved, worn and used book. Books that look like that are usually well loved. He made an assumption based on how something looked. He didn’t take a minute to look at it before deciding anything about the book he just jumped right to the assumption.The line chosen is the whole bottom paragraph on the front page. He talks about how the book looks and what he thought was written in it. He thought that it was filled with philosophies from tons of people from tons of places. Ultimately he thought that the book was boring. It kind of makes me sad that he thought that any book would be boring and that it wouldn’t have anything good to read in it. If you’re really interested in something you will read almost anything and can learn from most books if not all.
This is a big idea on the basis of what truth is, and how different people have perceived it. I circled a very short paragraph because it was clear that the author wanted to bring attention to it, based on the size of the paragraph, and its location in the writing. It is what the writing from the start was leading up to, which is how the chase in life is always after the real truth of any situation or belief.
The part of this that I questioned immediately was a quote from Errol Morris, because it was about how truth is not relative, but how there is one truth for everything all the time. I believe this when it is a question of physicality, however not when it is a question of deeper more complex matters. He does go on to say how it may be hidden or elusive, which then puts me in an uncertain state on the matter.
I think there are a lot of key themes in this reading but for me the big idea was the importance of shared truth and beliefs. Terkle uses Errol Morris to explain how “the pursuit of truth” can oftentimes be uncertain and disappointing. Morris’s work shows how hard the truth can be to pin down, not everyone has the same perspective and people remember events differently. Yet, the process of investigation and inquiry is crucial, as it allows for the emergence of answers and the revelation of genuine facts. To me the pursuit of shared truth isn’t about the outcome of finally finding the answers but encouraging meaningful conversations, and fostering a more close and honest society. When we ask questions and share our beliefs we can bring significant community and societal changes.
“Once you join others, even though at first your mission fails, you become a different person, a much stronger one. You feel that you really count, you discover your strength as an individual because you have along the way discovered other share in what you believe, you are not alone; and thus a community is formed.” I really enjoyed reading this quote Terkel quoted from Einstein because it highlights the transformative power of community, where individuals can grow personally and find strength in validation of their own shared beliefs, realizing that they are not alone and can finally gain a sense of belonging.
Terkel’s idea that communities always make individuals stronger can be a bit unclear. While sharing your beliefs can create a sense of belonging and is inspiring , it overlooks the potential downside of group dynamics. For example in certain communities, there can be pressure to conform to their beliefs or behaviors which can make an individual feel even more hesitant to express their ideas and opinions. Some communities have strong leaders with rigid structures, where opposing opinions may be discouraged or even ignored. Overall, it’s important to understand that relationships between communities and individuals can have both positive and negative effects on personal development. Consequently, it’s more important to seek out communities that value individuality and encourage open expression rather than those that promote narrow-mindedness and strict adherence to societal norms.
Dan Gediman Questions:
The big idea in this piece was to highlight the beginning of “This I Believe” and how one powerful idea can inspire communities all around the world to connect on impactful conversations. This reading talks about how this book about “the living philosophies of one hundred men and women in all walks of life” became a top 10 bestseller for three years.
I find this reading incredibly interesting because of the intense popularity “This I believe” gained all around the world after Mrs. Wheelock decided to take a clipping from a bulletin board talking about “the need for an inner balance to maintain one’s life.” These stories range from ordinary people to famous ones fostering the understanding for meaningful dialogue and the importance of different backgrounds. As they share their unique experiences they are inspiring individuals all around the world to express their own core beliefs.
I was particularly struck by Gediman’s beginning statement, “ all these writers had dug deeply inside themselves to discern what they truly believed—and then had the courage to share it with the world.” Writing these essays requires profound self-reflection. It’s not easy to share your thoughts publicly, especially when society likes to differ from societal norms . However, being someone who is able to put themselves out there is a valuable lesson for everyone around the world.
Something confusing to me was how quickly the series came to an end despite the increase in popularity. It’s fascinating how quick something can become successful and then suddenly disappear due to sponsoring pulling business. I feel they should have gone into further detail about the downfall of the studio series because there is some grey area that as a reader I definitely want to know more about!
Terkel
The big idea of this piece is that the pursuit of truth, more specifically the journey toward finding it, is an experience that can unite human kind. This can be seen as the author mentions a variety of famous figures throughout history; all from different backgrounds, separate time periods, and perhaps even with very differing opinions. But what unites them is that they believe that the pursuit, the very journey toward a truth, is above all one of the most important things one can do in this world.
A quote that I really enjoyed from this piece was when the author states “Yet there is something which I believe with no uncertainty. There is something we can do while we’re alive and breathing on this planet.”
To me, I believe that he is saying that while this world at times may make us feel as if we are so small and insignificant that we can never accomplish anything, it is still essential to take action toward a truthful cause. Because even if at the end, nothing substantial has been accomplished, the very act of joining together with others, partaking in something bigger than yourself, creates a united community that can still make change, even if it is a relatively small one.
One idea that I disagreed with in this piece was when the author stated “We need not dwell on the old question: What is truth?” I believe that while he is right in the sense that it is a topic that should not linger on forever, it is also still an important one to discuss. Because when asking the question “what is truth?”, it is rare for two answers to be exactly the same. It is a question that is thought provoking, in that, through our life experiences, we all have different perspectives on what truth means to us.
Gediman
The big idea of this piece was giving light to the origins of the “This I Believe” program and the significant outreach and impact it had not only in the United States, but also all throughout the world. This piece explained that the message of sharing one’s personal beliefs, whether it be from a celebrity or a regular day to day citizen, carried such an immense message that the program became a huge success, to the point where the essays were being sold and translated into several different languages.
In the piece, I liked when the author stated that the “This I Believe” essays were powerful “not only in showcasing the beliefs of a new generation, but in allowing people to read the inspiring and still timely words of their parents and grandparents generation.” I really enjoyed reading this particular quote because it showed to me that even with a distance spanning decades, we as human beings are able to connect and relate with each other, whether that be with those in the present day, or even to those who have passed long before us. Through a simple streamline of truth, new beliefs can be shared with one another today, and old beliefs can still be as relevant as they were 100 years ago.
3) I don’t agree with the author when they stated that the This I Believe program “slowly faded into obscurity”. While it is true the program may have lost some of its popularity, its legacy has also made such an impact that we are still studying and analyzing its essays in present times. This work that I am doing right now, by reading about the This I Believe legacy, is clear proof that these stories have not “faded” away or lost any of their relevance, as they are still being heard, appreciated, and discussed today.
Foreword by Studs Terkel:
What is it? What’s the big idea in this piece?
The big idea in this piece is the pursuit of meaning through personal experiences. Terkel mentions the pursuit of happiness and how the journey will teach you more than the thought or the outcome. He suggests in his essay that people discover new things about themselves, others, and the world through lived experiences, all of which lead one to build their system of beliefs.
Locate 1 idea in the essay and circle it. Explain why you like what you circled.
On pages xxii-xxiii, Terkel states, “Once you join others, even though at first your mission fails, you become a different person…you discover your strength as an individual…you are not alone; and thus a community is formed” (Terkel xxii-xxiii).
Locate 1 idea that confuses you or you disagree with. Explain what confuses you or why you disagree.
When Terkel talks about objectivity being of lower importance than the truth I get confused because objectivity is used to make sure the world follows some standard of factual accuracy. Terkel describes subjective, personal experiences to lead people to believing a deeper kind of truth. However, subjective truths above facts could leave people believing in things that are not accurate.
Afterword: The History of This I Believe: The Power of an Idea by Dan Gediman:
What is it? What’s the big idea in this piece?
The big idea in Gediman’s piece is genuine connection and understanding. He leads us through the underlying theme that everyone comes from different backgrounds but understanding each other and ourselves through core values leads us to making real connections.
Locate 1 idea in the essay and circle it. Explain why you like what you circled.
Gediman brings up the idea that “…all of these writers had dug deeply inside themselves to discern what they truly believed – and then had the courage to share it with the world” (Gediman 261). I like this idea because it supports the theme of understanding. If other people can share their personal beliefs with the world to create connections, humans should be able to share their beliefs with their peers to create genuine lifelong bonds.
Locate 1 idea that confuses you or you disagree with. Explain what confuses you or why you disagree.
Although I like the idea of creating connections through beliefs, Gediman also puts stress on the idea of empathy changing people’s minds. This is a confusing idea because people can listen to differing beliefs and still hold onto their ideas just as strongly. While empathy is important, I don’t agree that it will always lead to the deeper connection in society that Gediman hopes for.
Studs Terkel, Foreword
What is it? What’s the big idea in this piece?- The big idea in this piece is sharing your beliefs and opinions and being passionate about what you believe in. Terkel mentions “being an activist” and taking part in something other than yourself.
1 idea/concept/or line I like and why?-
“How will one who guesses right be able to collect his winnings?” (21) – I liked this line from the passage because when it is talking about religion and beliefs and how controversial this topic can be in day to day life at the end of the day how will we ever truly be able to be proven right or wrong? There is really no point in arguing at times because like the line says “how will one who guesses right be able to collect his
winnings?”.
1 idea/concept/or line I am confused or disagree with and why?- I did not find something I was confused or disagreed with in this passage.
Dan Gediman, Afterword
What is it? What’s the big idea in this piece?- This piece provides the historical context of the book itself and how it started and the importance behind it.
1 idea/concept/or line I like and why?- “She was more interested in hearing the beliefs of average citizens, such as herself.” (263)- I liked this line because I find it relatable. I think oftentimes you hear the success stories or opinions of people who are already successful and I think that makes it harder to relate to. With hearing the stories of more average people I find it to be almost more encouraging and relatable.
1 idea/concept/or line I am confused or disagree with and why?- I did not feel as though there was anything I did not understand.
Forward-Studs Terkel
I thought the reading was interesting and one of the core ideas that I found is finding out you’re not alone in your beliefs and it can be a life changing experience. The author points out that when you discover others that share your convictions, it not only makes you feel like you truly matter but also helps you find your own strength as an individual. Thats the very moment a genuine community is formed. Something that I disagree with is “My credo consists of the pursuit of act. One without the other is self-indulgence”. To me I found it powerful as I would argue that a ongoing pursuit for a belief in peace is valuable on its own. It doesn’t account for the internal good it has or the personal growth that can come from a deeply held belief.
Afterward-Dan Gediman
The big idea that I found for this text is the timeless relevance of personal philosophy. The author finds that a decades-old book of beliefs feels completely current, showing how sharing one’s core convictions is a powerful and enduring way to combat social uncertainty. The central concept I found is the courage to share your convictions. It’s the simple yet brave act of both famous and everyday people publicly declaring their personal truths that makes the series so impactful. One of the things that I question is the show’s founding premise. The creators believed a five-minute program could fix a national “spiritual crisis” I say that’s a small solution for the bigger problem.