Window to the Soul

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."