Trees

For Hermann Hesse, trees are symbols that connect with memories, representing transience and rebirth, as well as all growth, all instinctual, natural life, all carefreeness, and lush fertility. They are mirrors of the seasons, landscapes, and environmental conditions of their location. In their annual rings and growths, one can recognize all struggle, all suffering, all illness, all happiness and flourishing. Their presence can be immensely comforting: When we are sad and can no longer bear life well, a tree can speak to us: Be still! Be still! Look at me! Life is not easy, life is not hard. Home is not here or there. Home is within you, or nowhere. Hermann Hesse's reflections and poems about trees are the most successful anthology of the Insel Verlag.