The Dame Kathleen Raven Lecture is an annual lecture in recognition of the contribution of Dame Kathleen Raven to nurse education and nursing practice. Each year, distinguished speakers are encouraged, in front of an invited and eminent audience, to range far and wide and reflect on nursing, education and patient care. Uniquely, in 1995, Dame Kathleen herself gave the lecture. The following comprised the substantial part of her important speech to the assembled guests.