Thomas E. Finser
THE Scots Pine as metaphor for the spirit of 18th century Scottish enlightenment
The Scots Pine is the national tree of Scotland. Native to the ancient Caledonian pine forest, this pioneer species is unique in terms of longevity, durability, and capacity to regenerate in poor soil (“Scots Pine”). Steeped in ancient mythology, this tree has become a powerful symbol of immortality and perseverance. During the winter solstice, druids welcomed the return of the sunlight through the adornment of Scots pines. Decorated with lights and shimmering objects, the pines created a representation of the starlit heavens, the symbol of divine light on the earthly plane.
The Scots Pine is a metaphor for my conceptualization of the Scottish Enlightenment. The 18th century movement, as evidenced in the 1744 Widows' Fund was a seed that unfolded in a pattern of epistemological humility. The Library of Mistakes created in 2014 is one of the branches of this movement. |