In science it often happens that scientists say, ‘You know that’s a really good argument; my position is mistaken,’ and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn’t happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time someting like that happened in politics or religion.  — Carl Sagan, 1987 CSICOP address

A quote to live by from Farley Mowat’s A Whale for the Killing:

I promised myself that one day I would… escape from the increasingly mechanistic mainland world with its March Hare preoccupation with witless production for mindless consumption; its disruptive infatuation with change for its own sake; its idiot dedication to the bitch goddess, Progress.

A wild waltz with the waters!  I like how David has found his way and pursued ways to stay close to the water, if not immersed within it.

Saved by the Sea, by David Helvarg

At the end of his 0.5hr piece called “American Stories: American Solutions”, he said some things that are rare to hear from anyone — especially politicians.  It struck me that these should be on the list of things we teach our children, or at least I teach mine.  He said, “I can promise you this:

• I will always tell you what I think and where I stand;
• I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face;
• I will listen to you when we disagree.”

“To laugh often and much

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends

To appreciate beauty

To find the best in others

To leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived

This is to have succeeded.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson