An article in the New York Times the other day reported on a group of Harvard physicists who have conducted an intriguing experiment. They isolated a particle of light, which in itself is no mean feat. After all, light travels at, well, the speed of light (144,000 feet per second). Then they captured the particle, moved it somewhere else and released it on its way. The effect was basically a now-you-see-it-now-you-don’t trick, with the addition of: now-you-see-it-again!

This experiment reminded me of how little we really know about the world we live in. I am heavily involved in helping a client with a national initiative on global warming, another field, like physics, about which I know very little myself. Still, I am amazed by how little even the experts know. The world is complex and mysterious, and the physics of light and the warming of the planet are just two examples of how early we are in our quest to understand it.

In the February 8, 2007 issue of the Chronicle of Philanthropy a full page article profiles Sarah Cohen, founder and executive Director of Hopalong Animal Rescue.

As I read the article and studied the photo, I realized that I knew this amazing nonprofit leader many years ago. The article describes her start as a social worker with emotionally disturbed young children; that job was in a program of an organization I led. I got to know Sarah back then and was very impressed by her dedication and intelligence. Also, at least two things about her were evident: we would be grateful for every month she stayed with us, but this would not be her career position: she would move on to leave her mark on the world.

Sarah loved working with people, especially vulnerable kids, but her real passion was for animals. She dreamed of combining the two in a therapeutic program using animals. Now, I learned from the story, having not had contact with her for more than ten years, she has opened a vibrant animal rescue organization, taken part in the Katrina relief effort for pets, and garnered national attention for her work.

Congratulations, Sarah!