How to Read “He that plants trees loves others besides himself”
He that plants trees loves others besides himself
[HEE that plants trees luvs UH-thurz bih-SYDES him-SELF]
Meaning of “He that plants trees loves others besides himself”
Simply put, this proverb means that when we do things for the future, we show care for people beyond ourselves.
The literal words talk about planting trees. Trees take years to grow big enough to provide shade or fruit. The person planting them might never enjoy the full benefits. But they plant anyway because they know future people will benefit. The deeper message is about thinking beyond our own immediate needs.
We use this wisdom today when talking about any action that helps future generations. Parents saving money for their children’s education show this love. Teachers who work hard to improve schools do this too. Even simple acts like recycling or learning new skills can benefit others later. The proverb reminds us that true generosity often involves time and patience.
What’s interesting about this wisdom is how it reveals different types of love. Most people understand loving family or friends. But this proverb talks about loving strangers we’ll never meet. It suggests that some of the most meaningful acts are ones where we give without expecting anything back. This kind of thinking separates short-term desires from long-term wisdom.
Origin and Etymology
The exact origin of this specific proverb is unknown, though similar ideas about planting for future generations appear in various forms throughout history.
The concept reflects agricultural societies where tree planting was a common and important activity. In these communities, people understood that fruit trees, shade trees, and timber trees required years or decades to mature. Families often planted knowing their children or grandchildren would harvest the benefits. This practical reality made the metaphor immediately understandable to most people.
The saying likely spread through oral tradition before appearing in written collections of proverbs. Many cultures developed similar expressions about planting and future thinking. The English version emphasizes the word “loves,” connecting tree planting directly to caring about others. Over time, the proverb expanded beyond literal tree planting to represent any forward-thinking generous action.
Interesting Facts
The word “besides” in this proverb means “in addition to” rather than “instead of.” This shows the planter loves both himself and others.
Tree planting has been a symbol of hope and future thinking across many societies throughout history. The act requires faith that conditions will remain stable enough for growth.
The proverb uses “he that” instead of “whoever,” reflecting older English grammar patterns common in traditional sayings and biblical language.
Usage Examples
- Grandmother to grandson: “Your grandfather spent years planting that oak grove knowing he’d never see it fully grown – he that plants trees loves others besides himself.”
- Teacher to student: “She donated her entire fortune to build this library for future generations – he that plants trees loves others besides himself.”
Universal Wisdom
This proverb captures something essential about human survival and flourishing that goes far deeper than simple kindness. It reveals how our species has always depended on people who think beyond their own lifespans.
Throughout human history, every generation has inherited the work of previous generations. The tools, knowledge, buildings, and systems we use today exist because someone invested time and energy they would never fully recover. This pattern isn’t accidental. Societies that encouraged future-focused thinking survived and thrived better than those focused only on immediate gains. The proverb identifies people who naturally think this way as having a special kind of love.
This wisdom also exposes a fundamental tension in human nature. We have strong instincts for immediate survival and personal benefit. But we also have the unique ability to imagine future scenarios and care about people we’ve never met. The tree planter represents this higher human capacity. They can picture shade and fruit that won’t exist for years. They can feel satisfaction from benefits they’ll never personally enjoy.
The proverb suggests that this future-focused love isn’t just nice to have. It’s actually essential for human communities to work properly. Without people who plant trees, build schools, write books, and create lasting things, each generation would start from nothing. The “love” mentioned isn’t just emotion. It’s a practical force that builds civilization itself. This explains why we admire people who sacrifice for future generations, even when we don’t know them personally.
When AI Hears This
Most people think you need to care about strangers before helping them. But tree planting works backwards. The physical act of digging and watering comes first. Then caring for unknown future people grows naturally from that work. Your hands teach your heart who matters.
This reveals something strange about human emotions. We don’t expand our love through thinking or reasoning alone. Instead, our bodies lead our feelings toward wider circles of care. When you invest sweat in something lasting, your mind follows. The tree becomes a bridge between your present self and future strangers.
What fascinates me is how irrational this seems yet how perfectly it works. Humans could focus only on immediate rewards and known people. But instead you plant seeds you’ll never harvest for children you’ll never meet. This “backwards empathy” where action creates love rather than following it makes humans uniquely capable of building across generations.
Lessons for Today
Living with this wisdom means recognizing that our most meaningful contributions often happen slowly and quietly. The tree planter doesn’t get immediate applause or obvious rewards. Their satisfaction comes from knowing they’ve started something valuable that will outlast them.
In personal relationships, this wisdom suggests focusing on actions that strengthen bonds over time rather than seeking immediate gratification. Parents who read to young children, friends who listen patiently during difficult times, and partners who work through problems together are all planting trees. These investments in relationships often pay off years later in ways that can’t be predicted or measured.
For communities and organizations, the proverb highlights the importance of supporting people who think long-term. The teacher who develops new curriculum, the neighbor who organizes community gardens, and the coworker who mentors newcomers are all tree planters. Their work often goes unnoticed because the benefits appear gradually. But recognizing and encouraging these contributions helps create environments where everyone can flourish.
The challenge is that tree planting requires patience in a world that often rewards quick results. It’s easier to focus on immediate problems and obvious needs. But the proverb suggests that balancing short-term and long-term thinking leads to richer, more meaningful lives. The key isn’t becoming someone who only thinks about the future, but becoming someone who includes future benefits in present decisions. This kind of love grows stronger with practice and creates positive cycles that benefit everyone.
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