Author(s): John Marsden

Stationery & Gift

Eight years ago over a hundred well-known Australians tackled the biggest question of all, exploring their personal truths in a frank, provocative and uplifting collection of essays. Now, almost a decade later, the world has changed, ideals are different and the very foundations of our belief systems have been challenged and transformed. In a timely revisiting of what makes up the Australian soul, best-selling author John Marsden asked another hundred eminent Australians to open up their hearts and articulate the beliefs they hold most dear. Brutally honest, infinitely surprising and inspirational, I BELIEVE THIS is a snapshot of the Australian spirit as it grapples with life, our world and what it all means. What do you believe? 'I believe in hope Hope encourages people to face challenges, even the worst. Hope brings courage and life. Hope reassures people to go forward even if there is little chance to succeed.' Fr Nguyen Van Cao 'That the most intense happiness is contained in the simplest things: the sight of your father laughing uncontrollably during a film, a bedroom filled with the sleep of your children, requited love.' Nikki Gemmell 'I believe in rationality because it shines a light of scientific truth on our world and on our species. We can bear the truth. It will set us free.' Justice Michael Kirby 'The credo I live by? Don't worry about face creams, plastic surgery, or looking slim. People get old, just face it. You want to be immortal, have some children...' Shaun Micallef 'Our feelings are bigger and stronger than our intellects, they encompass opposites all at once, they defy ideology and elegance, but they make life interesting.' Joanna Murray-Smith 'I believe in the colour green. When this life-giving colour disappears from Earth, so do we.' Margaret Olley 'Every morning begins a new life for me, and in each day I strive to find three beautiful, unusual things. A bird song, a butterfly, a smile on a stranger's face, the look in the eyes of my lover, a dog chasing its tail, a child on a swing, a phrase in a poem or book.' Archie Weller