To the Power of the Root

Most of us are familiar with square roots and exponents. I was introduced to these probably in 6th grade. Before I get into my next argument, I must make it clear that I have always enjoyed mathematics. Math was  consistently on my list of favorite classes over the years. I have also appreciated physics, but to a much, much lesser degree. In 6th grade, we did some fun experiments with sound, light and heat, and in 7th grade lifted huge cement block with levers and pulleys, learned the famous, "Give me a place to stand and I will move the earth."Archimedes' principle of displacement came in 8th grade, along with atmospheric pressure and all that stuff... 9th grade brought on thermodynamics which I fully hated, but then in 10th grade we learned to build bridges, which was super cool. 11th grade physics was all about electricity, which started to get more and more annoying. Especially when we hit radiation. 12th grade optics was alright. Light is cool. I like rainbows. I guess all in all, the physics I had in school was very much based on practical use, and less on formulas. I totally appreciate physics for all that it does for us today. Every appliance, doorknob, motor, water-pump, elevator etc etc requires the laws of physics. Ok.. I accept and appreciate that. But.... when physics (chemistry alike) aims to explain life in a bunch of formulas I get really angry, especially when the "common sense" use of physics is overpowered by the "formulation of the meaning of life" physics

That's when science TOTALLY takes the magic and fun out of life. If everything is explainable, then what's the point of living? I'm honestly asking myself that. If every single question has a answer.... then what?

So it's great that we can use formulas for counting and figuring out mathematical problems-- I like the square root and the exponent.. I really do. But more than square roots, I like natural roots. The kinds that reach way down into the depths of the soil and collect nutrients for the plants.

Roots are so cool. I guess I can't say that I like one part of a plant more than another, but I find roots totally fascinating. I mean, just think about beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, taro, even radishes. What do they all have in common? They have this incredible vibrant color, despite the fact that they receive NO exposure to sunlight. Unlike leaves, who collect their color from the sun, the roots collect their color from....? (scientists, please don't spoil this for me.. I don't want an answer.) It's just so cool. I mean.. ok, there are "pigments" within the plant as a whole, and yes, those are probably just concentrated in the roots, but why? I mean.. If I was a plant, and had such crazy colors to show off... would I hide in the black soil? Well, maybe those plants just like to amaze us. They are that way so that we can wonder at them.

It's like a surprise birthday-party. The friends hide in the dark closet and jump out with "SURPRISE!" And then everyone cheers and is happy! Pulling roots out of the soil is kind of like that. There are probably tons of other plants that we don't know about that have such a fun color to show. And if we stumbled upon them one day, and pulled them out, we'd get a surprise.

Roots are just so magical. They work soo hard for the plants, have to stay underground their whole lives, they don't get to socialize with bees, butterflies, wind, sunshine, smiling faces, birds... they might have a few worms, bugs or microbes as friends...But I imagine life to be a bit boring down there.. or maybe not... not at all.. they're down there partying with their awesome colors. They've got the underground club-scene going on... they probably have fashion shows and compare vibrancy. What do I know? But any chemist or physicist I ask will probably slap me in the face with some formula, with all kinds of "constants" and weird variables and tell me that all is explainable.

As I have to hear everyday, "Color is just a particular wavelength of light.." Ok.. but those roots don't get light. sooo.....? Then the chemists will attempt to tell me that it's anthocyanin, and the OH- & carboxyl groups and amino acids held together by weird bonds are working under electron repulsion or something like that.... and that explains everything. Riddle solved. Magic Stolen.

I don't know if this is a common problem among people, or if I am just harshly affected by the itemization of life. I like being filled with wonder and a child-like curiosity. I like that there are things to speculate about and not solve all the problems with straightforward, structured formulas. That's so boring.