The infinitesimal seedlings became a forest of trees that grew courteously, correcting the distances between themselves as they shaped themselves to the promptings of available light and moisture, tempering the climate and the temperaments of the Scots, as the driest land became moist and the wettest land became dry, seedlings finding a mean between extremes, and the trees constructing a moderate zone for themselves even into what I would have called tundra, until I understood the fact that Aristotle taught, while walking in a botanic garden, that the middle is fittest to discern the extremes. {"Interim"}
The passage describes the transformation of small seedlings into a mature forest, emphasizing how these trees adapt to their environment by adjusting their spacing based on light and moisture availability. This growth also alters the surrounding climate, creating a balance between wet and dry areas. The adaptive nature of the seedlings reflects a deeper philosophical understanding of finding moderation amid extremes, resonating with Aristotle's teachings about the importance of the middle ground in discerning differences.
The author uses this imagery to illustrate the interconnectedness of nature and human behavior, suggesting that just as trees cultivate a balanced ecosystem, humans too must strive for equilibrium in their lives. The comparison to the Scots implies that environmental conditions can shape human temperaments, urging the reader to recognize the value of moderation in various aspects of life, much like the resilient forest shapes its surroundings.
