This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women

John W. Fountain’s father had an alcohol dependency and abandoned his family when Fountain was four. He died when Fountain was 18. Fountain longed for a father figure growing up, and filled the void in his life by developing a personal relationship with the Christian God

Fountain is a reporter, author, and professor of journalism at the University of Illinois.

Bill Gates is an optimist who believes that intelligence and creativity can make the world a better place. He loves problem solving and computers, and believes that achieving success gives him the responsibility to work on solving the world’s problems.

Bill Gates is a Founder and Chairman of Microsoft, and of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation charity.

Cecile Gilmer was taken in by the parents of her best friend at age 15 after her father proved unable to take care of her following the death by suicide of her mother and his separation from her stepmother. Her friend’s parents treated Gilmer like a second daughter and raised her into a happy, emotionally healthy adult.

Gilmer is an event planner currently living in Utah.