I love the photograph at the right.
In some sense it is metaphoric. It shows the magnitude of a significant root structure and how powerful that can be. It is relevant to holding up the tree in earthquakes and wind storms. It is powerful in busting through concrete.
Of course the metaphor of a large tree with strong roots has always been part of our perception of the world. I do not plan to add to that metaphoric perception.
I simply wish to call to my readers attention that all important individual thinking must have roots in the life of an adventurous and curious thinker. Ideas are the tree. Roots are the experiences and curiosity of the young person. Original thinking comes particularly from the soil of personal integrity and self correction at a young age.
I have often suggested in these blogs that a person's view of the world becomes as rigid as a hard-boiled egg by the time they are 23 years old. I don't find many people who violate my observation.
I do find that people who have had a root structure based on a curious and honest life experience before age 23 are exceptions. Such people are more likely to be interesting and colorful people later in life.
The purpose of this particular blog posting is to recognize the benefits of a variety of experiences, not necessarily pleasant, in youth. Various novel environments can be positive influences on young people.
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