A reminder to myself

The seed germinates, and a sapling grows. Would you have the sapling remain a sapling forever? No. The sapling is to pass some years growing into a full, healthy tree; and in doing so cells and tissues will continue to differentiate, heterogeneity will increase, parts' roles within the whole will become more rigidly set.

The tree bears fruit. Would you weep for the fruit of the tree? No. The fruit provides you with nourishment, though it signals the height of bloom for the tree, that the period of its quick growth is over, and that its terminal decline is imminent.

The tree withers and falls. Do you despair? No. The tree has spread its germ, and the soil will be enriched by its decay. The cycle will begin anew.

So why then would you worry for your country? For your eroding freedoms? For your fouled nest? On principle? You are nothing but a part of the tree. You are fortunate enough to be alive during the time of fruit-bearing.

Now, continue with reading B. F. Skinner's Walden Two and laugh.