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Aristotle thought that plants possess what he called a ‘vegetative soul’. Centred on growing and reproducing, this primordial, unthinking state of being was encompassed and far surpassed by the ‘rational soul’ of humans. Friedrich Nietzsche, however, believed that, in the overwhelming confusion of considering how we might live, there was much we could learn from plants – deeply rooted in the ground and yet limitlessly expressive as they are. Borrowing from some of Nietzsche’s lesser-known writings, this short video essay might just inspire you to look at a plant growing through a crack in the ‘inhospitable ground’ – and perhaps even Nietzsche himself – in a new light.
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Family life
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Neuroscience
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Information and communication
Coverage of the ‘balloon boy’ hoax forms a withering indictment of for-profit news
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Childhood and adolescence
Marmar is living through a devastating war – but she’d rather tell you about her new dress
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Meaning and the good life
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Art
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Personality
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Ageing and death
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Love and friendship
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