The Courage of Conviction

Berman, founder of the Center for the Study of Contemporary Belief in California, asked famous and/or eminent individuals to discuss their philosophies and the ways they apply such beliefs to their daily lives. The respondents represent a wide variety of professions: writers Andrew Greeley and Rita Mae Brown, religious leaders Billy Graham and the Dalai Lama, scientists Edward Teller and Edward O. Wilson, politicians Mario Cuomo and Elliot Richardson, actors Jane Alexander and Michael York. The answers contain few surprises: Benjamin Spock favors gentle treatment of children, Leo Buscaglia extols the virtues of love, Graham strongly backs religion and Sydney Hook explains why he is a secular humanist. Photos. U.K. rights: Laurence Pollinger; translation rights: Dodd, Mead. November 8