Albert Einstein once said, while studying the laws governing the universe,
God does not place dice with the universe.
This is exactly how I feel when I gaze upon trees. I marvel at them every time I see them. Every time, I sense that they are narrating a new story—their tale of being close to us, yet with branches that extend far beyond our reach. As we gaze upwards, we admire the intricate interplay of branches and leaves, the small gaps through which they allow light to pass, dispelling the potential darkness that their foliage might have cast if left unattended. The trees graciously permit these rays of light for us, for those of us beneath their shade, including the smaller plants. So majestic and glorious, yet generous!
What's the secret behind their beauty? There exists an abundance of tree species, some large, others small; some tall, and some wide. Yet, each possesses a unique beauty. As you attempt to decipher their allure, you perceive a recurring theme in their marvelous character. You feel the rhythmic patterns by which they grow. Is it because we, as humans, inherently seek meaning and understanding in everything around us? I find myself without a definitive answer. Comprehending all the intricate patterns in nature is an impossible feat. However, I assume it's precisely these patterns that captivate me and fuel my admiration.
Often, we only see the parts that emerge from the soil, but those exquisite branch patterns are somehow echoed underground through their roots. Can we refer to this as the symmetry of nature? A symmetry that reveals itself both below and above the ground. Across the globe, countless trees are older than me, having borne witness to numerous historical events. They likely harbor hidden stories waiting to be told. Each day, countless people pass beneath their shade, and while they may silently perceive our ongoing emotions, they act as impassive spectators. Then, a breeze arrives, followed by a strong wind, and the leaves begin to rustle. And I once called them emotionless!
Some, like myself, gaze upwards to savor the welcome shade formed by their leaves, shielding us humans from the scorching heat. What is the secret behind this? My inquisitive mind perpetually seeks answers. During my journey of growth, I encountered the concept of fractals—simple rules repeated nearly infinitely, giving rise to inexplicable beauty. Could it be that Nature employs these simple rules to craft its intricate beauty, manifesting its diversity through the application of such fundamental principles? Trees have been subjects of study for centuries, and many of the rules governing them remain shrouded in mystery. Even the illustrious Leonardo da Vinci, renowned as both an artist and a curious mind, delved into their study, documenting rules pertaining to the cross-sectional areas of trees and their branches.
I'm enamored by the way trees grow, how their intricate branches reach out as if they're searching for something in this world, attempting to grasp it with their outstretched limbs. Throughout the seasons, they stand resolute, adapting to nature's rules in various ways. I find joy in observing and photographing these responses: the transition from a bud to leaves and branches in spring, the comforting shade provided by their leaves in summer, the vivid palette of colors painted by their foliage in autumn, and their return to leafless spectators in winter. Yet, it's during the winter season that I most profoundly sense the rules of nature when I behold the intricate beauty of branches concealed beneath the leaves, those mesmerizing patterns of branching repeating from the trunk to the tiniest twigs.
