Jared Diamond and Trees
Jared Diamond is an author who has written a number of very good books about civilization. One of his recent books, Collapse, addresses the issue of why societies collapse. I could write a book about all of the important insights within that book. The fragility and impermanence of societies, the illusion of power and fortitude, and many other issues are raised. But what I distilled from the book that is particularly meaningful to me, was the importance of trees.
I love hiking for many reasons, but one of the primary reasons is the opportunity to look at trees. A book on constructive morphology compelled me to look at trees in a different light. Trees adapt to nearly catastrophic injuries and grow in unique ways. Trees are like a litmus test of the soil and the environment. And like the tree in the Giving Tree, trees provide valuable resources to us and our societies.
Trees provide shade and prevent soil erosion. They are fuel, building materials, habitats for animals and a food resource. The many ways that trees are utilized is endless, but one thing is certain. Abusing trees as a resource is a mistake that can contribute to the collapse of a society. The loss of trees as a factor in the collapse of Easter Island society cannot be overstated.
If my father-in-law is reading this he is probably groaning and muttering something about commie, pinko, tree-hugging liberals so I will clarify my thoughts on this. I try on a daily basis to value everything in creation, all types of life and even the unpleasant and painful experiences. I think that by finding a place where everything has value and is important, all of life is productive. That does not mean I roll over and let things just happen to me, I believe in being actively engaged in life.
Feeling grateful for trees and all that they provide and reflecting on how important something like a tree is helps put other things in perspective for me.