Window to the Soul

Posted: August 10, 2007

What is your philosophy of life? I hope that’s not too heavy of a question for a Friday but I would like to know.

I always asked that question of people I interviewed for my Tar Heel Traveler and Spirit of Carolina stories broadcast on WRAL TV during the 1980's and 90's. These were human interest stories cut from the Charles Kuralt cloth of journalism. Many times the answer to the philosophy question would be the best part of the story. The words were a window to the person's soul.

Last week I asked a successful businessman his philosophy of life and he said: “To have fun every day.” I thought that was pretty good.

When you're a kid you try to have fun every day. When you grow up life can become too complicated and serious and you forget how to have fun.

My news philosophy has long been this: "To be fearless in the pursuit of truth." I adopted that during my days of investigative reporting on environmental issues.

On a personal level I try my best to be kind and gracious to others. That's what my parents taught me. I am grateful to my grandmother Annie McKesson Leslie for showing me how to look for "the good and the gold" in every person you meet.

The best philosophy I've heard recently is this: "Live simple. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God."

What about you? What is your philosophy of life?

Image of Hope Posted: September 10, 2012

Charming Southport Posted: August 14, 2012

My trip to Charlotte Posted: July 30, 2012

37 Comments

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Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt. Abraham Lincoln 16th president of US (1809 - 1865)

racinjunki
August 14, 2007 12:32 p.m.

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Strong people stand up for themselves..Stronger people stand up for others.

kcg1962
August 11, 2007 4:29 p.m.

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Bill, sorry but I am getting old. Julie's last name was "Hossimer," if I now remember correctly, not Suiter. However that name and Tom "Suits" them both so well. Tell the both hello for me. Sonny

weasleyes
August 11, 2007 2:07 p.m.

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Live so that heaven is glad to get you and earth is sorry to lose you!

gigimama
August 11, 2007 1:29 p.m.

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Forgive me for re-posting, but after reading today news, I couldn't help but write again. With all the crime (killings and theft),what in the world is wrong with people? We live in a country that offers everything. Yet husbands are killing their wives, people are stealing, etc. I know these people know better. One thought that comes to mind is "an eye for an eye" and "thy shall not steal", if you take a life, yours should not be spared and if you steal your hands should be cut off. Our justice system needs to be overhauled. The punishment should fit the crime, and put those already serving time out on the road gangs again instead of letting their sit in prison in air conditioning, witht tv's, gyms,etc. Make serving a real punishment so that no one wants to go to jail. Something needs done cause our great country is suffering at the hands of man. God gave us life, and he gave us knowledge to know what to do with it.

pwilliamson53
August 11, 2007 12:56 p.m.

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Always do the best you can at everything you do.

jetset
August 11, 2007 7:47 a.m.

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You do not have a choice of how or when you die, you do have a choice of how you live today.

jchalmersnc
August 11, 2007 6:22 a.m.

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Doing for and serving others is the greatest reward and brings joy--this comes from my personal experience.

patton109
August 10, 2007 9:49 p.m.

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Bill, I so very much appreciate your blogs. I am no stranger to the WRAL family. Years ago, when I was a PTA president, Greg was our speaker. Over dinner, I innuandated him with puns (I did it in the invitation letter as well,) and he told me "I think that you are the worst that I have ever seen." I told him: " You have no reason to be taking about anyone else." He was a wonderful speaker and a great person. Also, I knew Tom Suiter's wife, Julie, when we both worked at CP&L (now Progress Energy.) She was also a wonderful person and perfectly "SUITED" (As I remember, her maiden name was Julie Suiter)name for Tom.Please give them both my best wishes from Sonny! My personal philosophy is one learned from a black friend of mine, and it comes from his mother. We have been friends so long that we have been forced to leave a restaurant together, because they did not serve blacks. Momma said: "When you have enemies, you must feed them with a long-handled spoon." Thanks again, Bill!

weasleyes
August 10, 2007 8:37 p.m.

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All of the posts have been so encouraging. Bill, thanks for the 'fun' blog! I love the scripture philosophies..you can't go wrong with them. One of my favorites is from the movie Forrest Gump :

"Life is a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get."

mom24
August 10, 2007 5:40 p.m.

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