For a long time, scientists have maintained their objectivity and said that it wasn't the place of science to dabble in ethics or spirituality. Carl Sagan knew better. For a man who had lifelong inspiration to explore the universe, an inspiration based on a profoundly spiritually notion of vastness. When you read a book like "Pale Blue Dot" you realize that Sagan has a deep and rich spiritualism regarding his work. While it may not be the place of science to discuss the human condition, Carl Sagan is more than a scientist, he is a human being. Why shouldn't the man who spent his life in awe of the universe be the one to share that with humanity?
Einstein was the first to understand the universe in a very new light and that changed not just his intellect but his feelings as well, shouldn't we place value in how that affects the world? Richard Dawkins has a better understanding of our origins than any of us, why shouldn't we listen to him about the importance of evolution? Feynman had a humble curiosity about the world, why should it be him that teaches us to not take anything for granted?
Just because a person is a scientist doesn't mean that they can't weigh in on moral and ethical issues. Only a handful of those who have experienced the firsthand awe of discovery have shared that immense amazement with us. Carl Sagan is a shining example of a person who isn't afraid to become a leader. He saw, was struck, and then showed it to all. More scientists should have the stones to follow in his footsteps.
63 Years of Memories....
63 Years of Memories....
that's what I have now. The photo below shows the chair on the point which for so many years was my father's favorite after-supper place to contemplate and cast for walleye. As much as I feel guilty about what's happened, I know he would understand and even say there's nothing to forgive. He lived life fully and moved on many times. I'm the one with the unique experience of being attached to a beautiful place for my whole life. And despite all my best efforts, yesterday the 'cabin' was sold. I signed the papers and, truth be told, a weight was lifted. A new life lies ahead without the obligations, but with all of the wonderful memories. My unrelentingly positive attitude says this is truly how it is, but my heart is still sad.
There are some things in life for which the balance between the obligation and the joy of ownership often cannot be sustained forever. It became clear that I was no longer up to the task of taking care of the place quite a while back. However, knowing what needs to be done and doing it are often far apart. Finally, no choice was left. It had to be sold.
Now it's gone. No more worrying about how long the grass or how deep the snow is up there. No more sublimely pleasurable early morning cups of coffee sitting on the dock when the color of the lake is like pale blue glass and the air is completely still. No more endless repairs, high taxes, and utility bills. No more late nights around the fire pit with friends and family - warm from both fire and friendship. No more frozen pipes or emergency calls to the furnace guys. No more saunas and midnight skinny dipping that make you feel like you'll live forever while your connection with nature is confirmed by the gazillion stars of the milky way and the loons calling out in the dark. No more concerns with low well water levels or water so hard and full of iron the clothes turn yellow and your newly washed hair feels like brillo. No more finding the way home by boat in the dark after a long day on the lake feeling like this is the only place you really, really belong. No more praying that the boathouse will make it another year without collapsing. And ultimately, no more making new memories with friends, family and loved ones. No new memories, that is, at Half Bay, Lake Vermilion, Tower, MN. New life... here we come!
How do you thank a place for memories?
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