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I Believe...

About a month ago, I greatly enjoyed reading a recently published book called The Man Who Heard Voices: Or, How M. Night Shyamalan Risked His Career on a Fairy Tale, written by Michael Bamberger.

Towards the end of the book, Mr. Bamberger mentions a story from a Philadelphia newspaper that inspired him to administer a one-question survey among cast members of M. Night Shyamalan's Lady In The Water.

The question:

Please complete a sentence that begins with "I believe..."

Three of the responses that he received were as follows:

Cindy Cheung: "I believe that imagination is our greatest power."

Bryce Dallas Howard: "I believe in the power of the individual to alter the destiny of humanity."

Paul Giamatti: "I believe there is no way Shakespeare wrote those plays, no way in hell."

(Note: I left out an expletive from Paul Giamatti's sentence out of respect for some of our readers who may have found it to be offensive. My apologies to Mr. Giamatti and Mr. Bamberger.)

If you're curious about how M. Night Shyamalan answered this question, I encourage you to read the book - I found it to be a fascinating inside look at the process of making a big budget film for a Hollywood studio.

It occurred to me this past weekend that it would be a fun exercise to ask our readers to chime in with their own answers to Mr. Bamberger's question.

If your gut gives you the green light, please feel free to take a minute or two to post a sentence that begins with "I believe..." in the comments section below.

To get this started, here's mine:

"I believe that peace of mind requires knowing that those you care deeply about know with certainty how you feel about them."

Thank you in advance to everyone who participates!

 
 

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Comments

Anonymous said...

I believe that ANYTHING, and I mean ANYTHING is possible. We are only limited by our own limited thinking!
~ Janice McAlister, Ann Arbor, MI USA
Monday, October 09, 2006 10:25:57 AM
Anonymous said...

I Believe in the love of a child. It's one of the only things in this world that is totally unconditional and 100%!
Monday, October 09, 2006 10:39:47 AM
T. James said...

I believe that people don't care about what you think you know, they care about what you know.

T. James
Oakland, CA
Monday, October 09, 2006 10:40:01 AM
Anonymous said...

I believe that mama loves me very much. Michiko Gibson, age 8, Huntsville, AL

I believe Jesus is the Son of God.
Phill Gibson, Huntsville, AL

I believe that if you want to be successful as a person (wife, mother, writer, professional, etc.), you need to LISTEN with your HEART. Miiko Gibson, Huntsville, AL
http://miikogibson.com/friendship.htm
Monday, October 09, 2006 10:42:45 AM
Justin said...

I believe that a person's innate character doesn't change much over the course of a lifetime.

Justin Dugal
Seattle, WA
Monday, October 09, 2006 10:44:14 AM
Vickie said...

I believe in miracles!
~Vickie Cox, Enumclaw, WA
Monday, October 09, 2006 10:46:55 AM
Teresa said...

I believe that the truth can hurt, but if you swallow it and digest it, it can help you become a better person.

Teresa Barnes
Berkeley, California
Monday, October 09, 2006 10:48:58 AM
Anonymous said...

I believe that the world would be a better place if everyone just minded their own business!

Jessica J.
Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
Monday, October 09, 2006 10:50:02 AM
Anonymous said...

I believe that each person has their own special gift to offer the world, we just don't always realize it.
~Lirrah
Monday, October 09, 2006 10:53:15 AM
Sara said...

I believe that if you say "I HATE YOU!" to someone who breaks up with you, then you never really loved them in the first place.

Sara
Georgia
Monday, October 09, 2006 10:54:48 AM
Susie said...

I believe that if your son or daughter hates piano lessons, you should just let them stop.

Susie Chen
NY
Monday, October 09, 2006 10:55:59 AM
Anonymous said...

I believe that yelling is a sign of immaturity.

George S.
Vancouver, BC
Monday, October 09, 2006 10:57:01 AM
Anonymous said...

I believe that my baby has the sweetest breath on earth. :)

Rhonda Simmons, Sacramento
Monday, October 09, 2006 10:58:16 AM
Anonymous said...

I believe I am unconditionally loved by God!
Monday, October 09, 2006 10:58:53 AM
Anonymous said...

I believe that driving is over-rated.

Non-driver in San Francisco
Monday, October 09, 2006 10:59:18 AM
Anonymous said...

I believe that whatever does not come from love comes from fear
Monday, October 09, 2006 11:01:06 AM
Anonymous said...

I believe that we create our lives, either consciously or unconsciously, by the allowance or disallowance of our desires.

Mimi, San Diego
Monday, October 09, 2006 11:17:33 AM
Ruth Rice said...

I believe that God send his only son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross; and shed His blood so that every person, on the face of the earth, will ultimately be saved from hell and torment.
Monday, October 09, 2006 11:24:07 AM
M. Brookman said...

I emphatically believe:

"This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom. . . ." -- Charles Dickens
Monday, October 09, 2006 11:28:13 AM
Anonymous said...

I believe that God is good ALL the time, and loves everyone!
Monday, October 09, 2006 12:17:38 PM
B. Letain said...

I believe that how we treat others comes back to us tenfold.
Monday, October 09, 2006 12:47:03 PM
Anonymous said...

I believe nothing; the truth does not require "belief".
Monday, October 09, 2006 12:50:40 PM
Anonymous said...

I believe the cure for cancer is almost here. This I pray for.
Monday, October 09, 2006 12:58:08 PM
Chet Day said...

I believe what Thoreau once wrote: "If I am not myself, who else will be?"

Chet Day
Monday, October 09, 2006 1:09:13 PM
Anonymous said...

I believe that the Truth that all seek is not to be found in the realm of belief and disbelief. It is quite literally, beyond belief.
Monday, October 09, 2006 1:10:57 PM
Magentamorning said...

I believe we'll be having a blast in the next world meeting each other plus keeping really busy helping and inspiring humanity (in whatever form throughout the universe)achieve its potential.
Monday, October 09, 2006 1:58:37 PM
Bay said...

I believe that this is the day the Lord has made, and we can rejoice in it and be glad!

Jeanne
La Jolla, CA
Monday, October 09, 2006 2:06:05 PM
Anonymous said...

I believe that every person is ultimately good. I believe that every person interprets Truth & God differently...for that matter, every word in human communciations. I believe the only way to find everlasting joy and peace is to completely surrender yourself to your Beloved Creator and His guidance will awaken your evernew joyous true Self. :-)
Monday, October 09, 2006 2:11:15 PM
Anonymous said...

I believe in the process.
Monday, October 09, 2006 2:11:25 PM
Ashley said...

I belive that with the right attitude and good intentions, anyone can do absolutely anything.
Monday, October 09, 2006 2:14:00 PM
Anonymous said...

I believe that God is always with us, within us and among us, today and always, and comforts us.
Monday, October 09, 2006 2:16:48 PM
Sharon said...

I believe that in the name of being passionate about some purpose, it is possible to forget how important it is to be kind and loving.

Sharon R.
Colorado
Monday, October 09, 2006 2:25:41 PM
April Boudreaux said...

I believe that if we do our best to put God first in our lives every day He will bless us more than we could have ever imagined!
Monday, October 09, 2006 2:43:56 PM
Anonymous said...

i believe that peace is starting inside you..
annelies cohen, israel
Monday, October 09, 2006 3:56:27 PM
Mimi Marie Cardwell said...

"I believe that World Peace CAN be achieved".

Mimi Marie Cardwell, Hartford, CT.
Monday, October 09, 2006 5:55:49 PM
Anonymous said...

I believe that the UNIVERSE provides us with all the answers to questions and problems, we need only to be in tune and receptive when the answers come.

Tere
Monday, October 09, 2006 6:32:30 PM
Charlotte, NZ said...

I believe in the healing power of belief.
Monday, October 09, 2006 6:40:35 PM
Topeka said...

I believe in myself...
Monday, October 09, 2006 6:50:37 PM
Anaree Nelson (Ani Pema Lhamo) said...

I believe that man, on this planet, has now come to a climax in that evolution can go no further with the body. The mind, however, can evolve to a greatness that knows no bounds. Armed with this knowledge, we, who are reading this, undertake to evolve our own minds with a speed that has never before been accomplished in the history of humankind.

This is spiritual evolution. We are more than part of it – we are it. As more minds rise to a higher level of consciousness on this planet, it raises the level of all the people – since consciousness is ONE.

It is your choice to undertake this process. You will find highs and lows, troughs, and high mountains. Take time to experience all of it. It is not only in the good times that we learn.

We are here to evolve. Let's do it.
Monday, October 09, 2006 6:53:33 PM
Anonymous said...

I believe that a truely great god would not have us worship and sing their praises. I believe that it is quite possible that the Bible could be used by Satan (or whoever the true 'evil' is) to manipulate us into surrendering ourselves to him. What's really interesting to me is that I believe this enough to actually post it, even though I remain anonymous.
Monday, October 09, 2006 7:08:42 PM
Anonymous said...

I believe in humanity...but where is it?
Monday, October 09, 2006 7:41:52 PM
Anonymous said...

Ralph Nader's mother asked Ralphy every day,"Well, what did you do today - believe or think?" In keeping with this, I believe nothing, and hope I can continue to think.
Monday, October 09, 2006 8:31:51 PM
Anonymous said...

I Believe......I dont know what I believe in anymore!
Monday, October 09, 2006 8:34:40 PM
Elsie from Federal Way, WA said...

I believe that I choose and make my own happiness.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006 1:41:43 AM
Anonymous said...

I believe that most people are innately evil.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006 8:12:30 AM
Anonymous said...

i believe everything happens for a reason
Tuesday, October 10, 2006 8:30:19 AM
Anonymous said...

I believe that God is Love and Love is everywhere!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006 9:16:35 AM
Anonymous said...

I believe that without God, there is no purpose in life and everything of this world is then in vain.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006 11:38:06 AM
Lana said...

I believe what Jesus said... that He is the door...I am so thankful to have found that door and entered in.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006 4:10:19 PM
Anonymous said...

I believe radiation & chemotherapy are poison and the only cure for cancer is prevention. Eat organic whole food, get some exercise and lower your stress level.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006 7:24:55 PM
Anonymous said...

I believe that we are responsible for our own journey in this life;and we are responsible for others as well:so ...think about the energy that you are creating for that is what will come back to you!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006 6:40:07 AM
laheib said...

I BELIEVE peace begins with in each of us first. Instead of being ANTI WAR lets all be FOR PEACE. I believe when we feel, see, think peace in all ways, we become that.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006 9:38:15 AM
Anonymous said...

Carla wrote:

I believe in the power of prayer, the power of love and the power of hope.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006 9:59:37 AM
Anonymous said...

I believe that the AWESOME power which creates us and all which will be, that which we can and cannot imagine, see, hear, taste and feel, is a power of immense and infinite love... Sheila,Addison,NY,USA
Wednesday, October 11, 2006 10:39:32 AM
Tina Orosz said...

I believe that those of us who have endured (and sometimes instigated) the greatest hardships, are those who are here for the greatest purposes.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006 11:41:30 AM
Anonymous said...

I believe that every kind act leads to another.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006 1:09:17 PM
ruby regnier said...

I believe that each individual is in charge of his/her own destiny and that we have the ability to make our own happiness!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006 6:17:40 PM
Anonymous said...

I believe in Love.
-Irma Joseph, Hyattsville, MD
Friday, October 13, 2006 9:13:23 AM
Anonymous said...

I believe, therefore I become.
Friday, October 13, 2006 10:33:49 AM
Anonymous said...

I believe in tomorrow.
Friday, October 13, 2006 9:41:59 PM
Moorea said...

I believe I have something to learn from all people, regardless of their religion or whether they believe in God. I believe human diversity, in all its forms, is beautiful and makes us strong. I believe that what matters most is what I can do in this life for my community and for this world.
Saturday, October 14, 2006 2:28:11 PM
Anonymous said...

I believe there is no such thing as "the Truth" (capital T), there is only perception - and that which is convenient.
~ Holle Curtis
Sunday, October 15, 2006 1:55:42 PM
Anonymous said...

I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of GOD. I believe that He is the Prince of Peace. I believe when He said that He has come so that we may have life and have it more abundantly in Him!I believe that it is not about me but ultimatly about giving GOD all the Glory! :^)
Gio
Monday, October 16, 2006 2:05:06 PM
charlotte said...

How wonderful to read so many positive thoughts of other people. It gives one hope that the world is full of good people believing good things. This will be our salvation.

Charlotte
Monday, October 16, 2006 2:39:18 PM
Anonymous said...

I believe God is love and by choosing love in EVERY situation, you are actualizing the power of God and every situation you are in will result in the greatest good for everyone.
Monday, October 16, 2006 2:47:59 PM
AslansLady said...

I believe that the mistakes I've made in life and the sins I've sinned are things I've done but they are not who I am.
Monday, October 16, 2006 11:17:58 PM
Al de Me said...

I believe we were all born to 'carry forward an ever advancing civilization'.
Monday, October 16, 2006 11:36:33 PM
Anonymous said...

I believe that nobody on their death bed ever wished they spent more time at work and less time with family and friends while they were alive.
Monday, October 16, 2006 11:38:08 PM
Elise, Montreal said...

I believe that there is both a lot of beauty and a lot of ugliness in the world and it's hard for me to understand that.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006 12:36:08 AM
Tyciol said...

I believe the guy who said the truth does not require belief, believes that, and believes that believing is somehow a bad thing, when it actually represents your opinion.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006 1:06:55 AM
Diana said...

"We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." Joseph Smith
Tuesday, October 17, 2006 3:23:47 PM
Anonymous said...

I believe eternal healing with absolute love is obtainable for all humanity.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006 2:08:05 PM
Anonymous said...

I believe if you practice bitterness and anger each day, it is all you will feel and be.
I believe if you practice thankfulness each day, then joy will abound.
~Becky, Colorado Springs, CO USA
Thursday, October 19, 2006 1:44:24 PM
moorea said...

Responding to my previous post ("I believe I have something to learn from all people, regardless of their religion or whether they believe in God. I believe human diversity, in all its forms, is beautiful and makes us strong. I believe that what matters most is what I can do in this life for my community and for this world."):

To give a fraction of credit due, I thought I'd mention a professor I had for a class I took on multicultural education, H. Prentice Baptiste, who taught that there is harmony in diversity. I'm also going to point to Ani DiFranco's song "What If No One's Watching" and her words, "I speak without reservation from what I know and who I am. I do so with the understanding that all people should have the right to offer their voice to the chorus whether the result is harmony or dissonance. The worldsong is a colorless dirge without the differences that distinguish us, and it is that difference which should be celebrated, not condemned." Finally, Rev. Al Sharpton has a lot of good things to say about the issues my "I believe" statement touched on.
Sunday, October 22, 2006 12:10:32 AM
Anonymous said...

I believe in the power of "commitment".
Wednesday, October 25, 2006 3:56:18 PM
dan b said...

I believe that our thoughts will manifest into reality. Control what you think and destiny is in your hands.
Thursday, November 30, 2006 1:31:02 AM
Diana said...

I believe.
Thursday, November 30, 2006 6:43:02 AM