The Cornell faculty have proven that they can collaborate effectively in nanoscience and nanotechnology research. The success of several interdisciplinary faculty groups in winning support to carry out innovative work in the research centers described in this issue shows this. However, how did Cornell actually become nanosmart? A deeper question is: Why is Cornell able to collaborate so effectively across the disciplines? How did this develop, and why can Cornell do it? Does it happen spontaneously, and why does it happen when it does? How fragile is this culture, and how can Cornell sustain it? As a longtime faculty member at Cornell, my answer to these questions reflects a particular view of the history and the people who brought us to this point.