Seeds aren’t stupid: Midas Dekkers on nature’s patient wisdom
This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast:
April 22, 1946
Dearest reader,
On this day, we celebrate the birth of Midas Dekkers, a remarkable Dutch biologist and author known for his sharp wit and curious mind.
Born in Haarlem, Dekkers has penned over fifty books for children and young adults, weaving biological science into engaging stories that captivate readers of all ages. His works gracefully combine humor with scientific insight, making complicated themes accessible and entertaining.
One of his notable works, The Way of All Flesh: The Romance of Ruins, explores the inevitable decay and ruin in nature and civilization. In it, Dekkers writes with wisdom and charm,
“It’s a sign of wisdom that seeds don’t squander their energy all at once, instead calmly waiting until the time is right.
Seeds aren’t stupid.”
This phrase beautifully encapsulates his approach—a celebration of nature’s patience and resilience, a lesson for gardeners and dreamers alike.
Whether explaining the lifecycle of larvae, the mysteries of mummies, or the quirks of physical exercise, Midas Dekkers enthralls with his unique style.
His work invites us to see the natural world anew, reminding us to appreciate its marvels, even in decay and impermanence.
Dear reader, perhaps in your own garden, you’ll find inspiration in the patience of seeds and the unspoken wisdom of nature’s rhythms.
