Analyze the trees, but focus on the forest

Take a step back. Go as far back as you can where you can still see the entire forest and you can also still see each individual tree. Your mind can shift in between the big picture, the forest and the details, the trees and tie them together. It might take some time but then one can see that big tall tree over there seems awkward and out of place with the rest yet the roots of that tree are intertwined with all the other trees that form into the forest. And you wonder why that tree is different, what sets that tree apart from the rest. If that big tall tree was there to destroy all the other trees, would all the others attack him at his roots and get rid of him? If it was determined by the majority of the other trees that the big tall tree was there to spread good and help them grow big and tall too, then that tree would presumably be treated well. But there's some trees in that forest that are just too far away from the big tall tree to really know if it's good or evil. There are trees surrounding the big tall tree that benefit from the shade provided. There are trees in direct competition to the big tall tree, they want that distinction and the rewards of being the biggest and tallest and therefore, the best. Imagine the root system being the tree's telephone system and the discussion is on whether or not the big tall tree is good or not. Trees become divided as they pick a side. Tree wars start, one side against the other. And they end up destroying each other while the big tall tree keeps standing. He rubs his arm branches and thinks 'yes, this is exactly what I wanted, now I can build back better'. What all the other trees didn't know was that the big tall tree had a plan for a new forest, he was tired of this one and wanted a new one. So he set about to make that plan happen. He was the one to send the first root telephone to start the original question that started it all and changed the whole forest. But they were all gone now.

Ok yes, strange analogy for sure. When one starts to see the forest as a whole and also see the individual trees, the hierarchy becomes clear. In the forest, the strongest might be the mightiest. Among humans, it appears to be money which equals power with the ability to control others. Is there a nefarious plan set out by those at the top of the wealth class? Maybe the difference between the trees and humans is that the trees grow naturally. The big tall tree potentially became big and mighty naturally and then automatically became the leader over all others. Or did the big tall tree take all the nourishment without sharing to become the mightiest?

Human's wealth isn't natural. Top CEO's of major corporations making $10m/yr got there with sacrifice, generally sacrificing the people around him til they suit his needs as he keeps most of the money for his family. Wealthy families put pressure on each individual member of the family to keep the wealth afloat and that can only lead to resentment, anger and worse. Referring to the top that we know about and there is likely layers of wealth on top of that to get to the very top of the pyramid. The big tall tree's roots grew along with his stature, squashing any around him that got in his way. Same with the very, very wealthy humans.

Where does that leave those trees that were part of the forest but really far away from the big tall tree and maybe survived the first tree genocide? Unsettled, unsure. They can no longer believe the root telephone system, it now seems full of untruths. They communicate amongst themselves and chose to form another forest on their own. One that doesn't have a big tall tree. One that's more cohesive together, the roots intertwin effectively. But they have to cut off the roots that belong to the old forest. Big job! And scary. Can they survive without the big tall tree and his supporters? They think so. Together, as one root system, they can do it! And they go forward with their plan, cutting off the big forest, forming their own little forest where they just want to be left alone to grow and enjoy the sunshine. What a great plan and what a great accomplishment!! There they go, happy and thriving....

Time goes by. Zoom out to the forest view. What is that sticking up there above all the other trees in that nice new forest there? It looks big .... and tall .....