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The planting of trees is the least self-centered of all that we can do. It is a purer act of faith than the procreation of children.
Thornton Wilder
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Planting trees is an act of selflessness and commitment to future generations.

Thornton Wilder's quote emphasizes that the act of planting trees is a selfless, noble deed that benefits not only the present but also future generations. Unlike the act of having children, which is often tied to personal desires, planting trees is purely about faith in the future and the well-being of the planet, highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship.

Themes

PlantingTreesSelflessnessFutureFaithNature

In practice

Example use cases

A speech at a rally focused on environmental conservation.

More from Thornton Wilder

The comic spirit is given to us in order that we may analyze, weigh, and clarify things in us which nettle us, or which we are outgrowing, or trying to reshape
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When you're safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure you wish you were safe at home.
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Many great writers have been extraordinarily awkward in daily exchange, but the greatest give the impression that their style was nursed by the closest attention to colloquial speech.
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I want you to try and remember what it was like to have been very young. And particularly the days when you were first in love; when you were like a person sleepwalking, and you didn’t quite see the street you were in, and didn’t quite hear everything that was said to you. You’re just a little bit crazy. Will you remember that, please?
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