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I sometimes encountered this man wandering around our neighborhood in his vintage boater hat during hot weather. I was never sure if he was an off-duty carnival barker or an old-time beer truck driver. I never asked, fearing he might lecture me on the fine points of wearing a belt with suspenders or personal bootstrap lifting.

Long ago when I was in high school, two passions began to wrestle for dominance inside me, the world of science and the world of art. In particular I was drawn to biology and oil painting at the same time. I struggled to merge these conflicting realities of facts and emotions, trying to determine which should prevail in my life. After many decades of internal "war," the best I've been able to do is merge a career as a field biologist with habitat engineering, and also pursue painting as a pastime. I'm happy to report that some time ago I found the secrets to resolving my early conflicts between art and science. I am forever grateful for having the privilege of devoting myself to the arts, sciences and humanities in the way I did, for...