Adam Smith, an appeal to ourselves

This is an interesting quote I came across from Adam Smith. "It is not the soft power of humanity, it is not that feeble spark of benevolence which Nature has lighted up in the human heart, that is thus capable of counteracting the strongest impulses of self-love. It is a stronger power, a more forcible motive, which exerts itself upon such occasions. It is reason, principle, conscience, the inhabitant of the breast, the man within, the great judge and arbiter of our conduct. It is he who, whenever we are about to act so as to affect the happiness of others, calls to us, with a voice capable of astonishing the most presumptuous of our passions, that we are but one of the multitude, in no respect better than any other in it; and that when we prefer ourselves so shamefully and so blindly to others, we become the proper objects of resentment, abhorrence, and execration. It is from him only that we learn the real littleness of ourselves".

nature

This is a naturally occurring flower along the Ottawa. Isn't it just remarkable how beautiful nature really is - all by itself? That this type of beauty exists, quietly and discreetly, without any desire to be seen or noticed by Man, is truly remarkable. (Photo by Tom Marshall)

push off (July 2007)

As we set off for our most recent trip, we couldn't help but be taken by the wonderful natural beauty of the area. Aside from a few local motorboats, the river was peaceful. Natural beaches were everywhere. Rocks breaking the surface of the calm water. Birds. Fish. And beautiful flowers. What a great view. (Photo by Janey Marshall)

Ian, Keesh, Ottawa River Trip, July 2007

Taking a break from the paddle. Ian and I had no idea that the upper Ottawa was more like a lake than a river. beautiful, yes - but slow going. (That all changed when we hit the whitewater! Photo by Tom Marshall)