As I was speaking to a Rotary Club recently about scientific findings in the geosciences, I found myself saying, with a straight face, that there was "no more important professional calling than that of the geoscientist-someone charged with studying the complex Earth system... and the relationship of humanity with that system." At the same event, in response to a question from a high school valedictorian about whether he should go into business or the geosciences, I responded with a vehement "do both" that surprised me and the audience alike. Sometimes, it is quite interesting to listen to yourself. This did not sound like my familiar choice of words-how could I say such things&