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It makes me feel some solace that this tree was just a tree. We, humans, gave it significance. But that significance was imaginary. It was just a sycamore. It w
by throwawaaarrgh 3y ago
It makes me feel some solace that this tree was just a tree. We, humans, gave it significance. But that significance was imaginary. It was just a sycamore. It was only special because we told ourselves stories, and decided it was much more than a sycamore.
Strangely, even though the tree isn't actually dead, we pretend it is, because it won't look like it did when we assigned it significance. So really, nothing of value was lost. All that's happened is our own vanity and need for meaning was injured. And we'd never realize that unless it was felled.
We aren't commemorating a tree. We're commemorating our own need to find meaning in the world.
- npteljes 3y agoFirst of all, feelings are not imaginary, even though they are non-physical, and despite many people not getting them, or having a bad relationship with some of them. Second, the tree was a landmark. This significance gave it tangible value, as it would attract tourism, which will now be lost.
- dukeyukey 3y agoWe will always look for meaning. But when we find it, even in something entirely imaginary (which I don't think it was here - natural beauty has a verifiable positive effect on humans), that's value. And trying to be reductive about it mostly harms your own ability to find meaning and see beauty.