Caught up in the scramble to discover what' s new in nanotechnology, it' s easy to lose sight of why it matters. Perhaps we don' t often enough take a step back and recall what it' s all for. Technology can only benefit us when it is guided by principles, and though we may not agree on them, it' s good to reflect on them and search ourselves for our own right answers to the question, " Why are we doing this? " With reflection and guidance, nanotechnology may prove to be small means to good ends.

My symphonyTo live content with small means -

to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion, to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich -

to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly, to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart -

to bear all cheerfully - do all bravely, await occasions - never hurry; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common.

This is to be my symphony.

William Ellery Channing