In all the world’s great religions and spiritual movements, trees recur as a powerful motif. This may be because trees perhaps, of all life on the planet, demonstrate best our interconnectedness. In his latest book, The Songs of Trees, biologist David Haskell reveals the intricate labyrinth at which trees are the centre.

No tree has ever, in its ecology, its genetics, its relationship with humans, been alone. It moves through life as this incredibly connected being. It’s made from connection.

Over the course of many years, he has repeatedly visited a dozen trees around the world, listening to them and exploring their connections with the world around them. Haskell shows that this networked view of life enriches our understanding of biology, human nature and ethics.

When we listen to trees, nature’s great connectors, we learn how to inhabit the relationships that give life its source, substance and beauty.

Listen to David Haskell’s extraordinary story of the songs of trees here.

About Our Guest:

David Haskell is a biologist, author and Pulitzer finalist. His books are The Forest Unseen and The Songs of Trees.