The Useless Tree

In one story a carpenter passes a huge old tree without a glance. Its trunk is twisted, its branches knotted, and it would make poor timber. A student wonders why it is left alone. The carpenter says it is useless, and that is exactly why it has grown so large and lived so long.

Zhuangzi uses the tree to question measuring worth by usefulness to a plan. Straight trees are cut down because they are useful. Usefulness can be a way of being used up. The story does not say to be idle: in another tale the goose that cannot cackle is the one killed, and the puzzle is left open.

Try two questions. Who am I useful to, and what does it cost me? What could I value apart from what someone can use? A person, a hobby or an afternoon can matter without a measurable result.

The helpful neighbor

Sam is the person everyone in the village asks for help. He mends roofs, drives neighbors to the clinic and answers every call, and his weekends disappear. The mayor praises him at the festival and asks him to chair another committee.

Sam sees the tree: his usefulness is what is being used up. He chooses one task to keep and one afternoon a week that belongs to no task. His work is still good. It is no longer all there is of him.

Try this today Keep one hour this week that belongs to no project and no one else’s list.