THE BEST PURSUIT From God's Little Lessons On Life

In 1947 Dr. Chandrasekhar was asked to teach an advance seminar in astrophysics at the University of Chicago. At the time, he was living in Wisconsin, doing research at the Yerkes astronomical observatory. He faced a 100-mile commute twice a week in the dead of winter to teach the class, but he nonetheless agreed.

However, registration for the advanced seminar was far below expectations. In fact, only two students signed up for the class. Other faculty members expected Dr. Chandrasekhar to cancel the course, so as not to waste his valuable time. He determined, however, to continue with the course and give his very best to the two students registered. Those students, Chen Ning Yang and Tsung-dao Lee, made his efforts worthwhile. Ten years later, in 1957, they both won the Nobel prize for physics. In 1983, Dr. Chandrasekhar won that same award.

Ends and means are not meant to exist in conflict. Good means to good ends are what challenges us to find and to do, regardless of the personal cost, the effort required, or the lack of resulting public acclaim. The best pursuit of the best ideals -- that's what it means to have integrity.

"I know, my God that you test men to see if they are good; for you enjoy good men. I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously. (1 Chronicles 29: 17)