Member-only story
Adam’s Roots, Part Two
Radicalized
Adam’s adult life has been defined by an unwavering belief in the sanctity of hard data, the truth of ironclad statistics, and the folly of idealism.
This foundation is shaken his first night high in the branches of Mimas, the ancient redwood where he encounters tree-sitters Maidenhair and Watchman. Within moments of talking with them:
“A truth bends near him, one that his discipline will never find.” (Richard Powers)
Days later, Mimas has fallen in a violent attack, pummeled by the blades of a helicopter from above and threats from below. He bears witness to his friends’ refusal to yield until the last possible second. Seeing their willingness to sacrifice their lives and go down with this tree, his belief system crumbles out from under him.
“It occurs to Adam where the word radical came from. Radix… Root. The plant’s, the planet’s, brain.” (Richard Powers)
