Published: March 16, 2026
I recently read the short story "The Man Who Planted Trees" by Jean Giono. It is an easy read but well worth the time. It is a story about a young man who meets a shephard spending his time replanting trees in a desolate valley. The young man meets him several times over the course of his life and each time the planted trees grow bigger and the treeless valley slowly becomes home to a flourishing forest. This return of nature attracts people, who begin settling there again. The vibrant village full of life and joy creates a stark contrast for the young man, who many years ago couldn't even find drinkable water in this area. The natural transformation seems like a miracle to the authorities who never learn that behind it is a man who spent his life planting and tending the trees.
The story is a pleasant read. The old shephard was not replanting the forest for any recognition or reward. In the end, only the young man telling the story knows that the shephard was behind the transformation. It reminded me of the proverb "A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit". The book creates hope that we have the ability to go down the path of ecological regeneration and not just destruction. It is also encouraging since it shows, through a very tangible narrative, that small actions done continuously can bring about meaningful change. Even a simple individual, without extraordinary talents or power, can make a little corner of the world better than it was before. Even though the book's theme is connected with ecology, the message can apply to any area. It can remind us that any action, no matter how small, is still a step towards the goal. If many steps are taken in the same direction, either by many people or by one very persistent person, they become the essential ingredient for positive change.
The book can be found for free online since it is royalty-free. There is also an animated movie based on the book available with both English and French narration.
