Ralph Waldo Emerson:
There is no beautifier of complexion, or form, or behavior, like the wish to scatter joy and not pain around us. 'Tis good to give a stranger a meal, or a night's lodging. 'Tis better to be hospitable to his good meaning and thought, and give courage to a companion. We must be as courteous to a man as we are to a picture, which we are willing to give the advantage of a good light.
Almost every morning that I walk, I am greeted by an act of generosity offered by a stranger. A simple walking stick. You find them everywhere. I admit that, upon occasion - I have taken them and used them later to help start a fire. . . and feel terribly guilty about doing so. So I offer this as a thank you for the gratitude of strangers who have unknowingly not only provided me an aide by which to ascend some peak, or walk some path yet to be discovered, but who have also provided the tinder for warmth and comfort following the hike. And Andy, who loves nothing better to lie in front of a fire pondering ... well, who knows what? - is also deeply grateful. Just ask him sometime.
