You’re a dedicated, and creative researcher, a great father, a devoted husband, and a good friend to many of us. As important, you are ethical, honest, and know your way around music, film, and literature.
In the end, who knows the measure of a life?
I know your life is as good a measuring stick as most, and I’m glad you’re here, among us.
An exemplary life. You are a scientist with a strong humanist streak that strengthens your impact. I am moved by your capacity to bring art and faith to the quest of understanding our brains and bodies.
Thanks, Keith. I am going to try to publish a version of this, perhaps as a Perspective at Pediatrics. If you have any suggestions/criticisms (I know they won't run a picture of Mika!) I'd be grateful if you shared them.
Bill, the quote is from Reinhold Niebuhr's The Irony of American History. This is what is commonly excerpted: "Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime; therefore, we are saved by hope. Nothing true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore, we are saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore, we are saved by love. No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as from our own; therefore, we are saved by the final form of love, which is forgiveness."
If you're referring to "being a minor stone in a cathedral of eternity cathedral of eternity" that is just something I came up with in my journal. As is the sketch. Being a student of history and culture, you may recognize the asymmetrical spires of the cathedral.
Am reminded of Neibuhr's quote, "Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime,"
Alternatively maybe it's best to hope for being a minor stone in a cathedral of eternity. https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qH2xSSJ/1/3fb07fa1/L/i-qH2xSSJ-L.jpg
Bill,
You’re a dedicated, and creative researcher, a great father, a devoted husband, and a good friend to many of us. As important, you are ethical, honest, and know your way around music, film, and literature.
In the end, who knows the measure of a life?
I know your life is as good a measuring stick as most, and I’m glad you’re here, among us.
Be well, my friend of 27 years.
Frank
An exemplary life. You are a scientist with a strong humanist streak that strengthens your impact. I am moved by your capacity to bring art and faith to the quest of understanding our brains and bodies.
Thank you, Ann.
Indeed you have.
Thanks, Keith. I am going to try to publish a version of this, perhaps as a Perspective at Pediatrics. If you have any suggestions/criticisms (I know they won't run a picture of Mika!) I'd be grateful if you shared them.
Louis, thank you! where is that quote from?
Bill, the quote is from Reinhold Niebuhr's The Irony of American History. This is what is commonly excerpted: "Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime; therefore, we are saved by hope. Nothing true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore, we are saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore, we are saved by love. No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as from our own; therefore, we are saved by the final form of love, which is forgiveness."
If you're referring to "being a minor stone in a cathedral of eternity cathedral of eternity" that is just something I came up with in my journal. As is the sketch. Being a student of history and culture, you may recognize the asymmetrical spires of the cathedral.