The Infinite Virtual Fig Tree

“…the ever expanding illusion of hope”

Sylvia Plath's metaphor of the fig tree is my favorite image of potential and ambition. In her novel; The Bell Jar, the protagonist Esther stands in front of a fig tree - contemplating her career choices. Each branch and fruit represents a different occupation and future. As the young character stares at the sight, unable to decide which one to pick - they grow ripe. In a paralysis of indecisiveness - she does not reach for any fig. Within what feels like a moment, they fall towards the ground - untouched.

To adapt this metaphor to how this dilemma stands in the current society - I would picture the tree to be an infinite and virtual one. The display of opportunities and stories of success are endless, hence “infinite”. Yet, the creation is not substantial, and the proof of possibilities are exhibited in a parallel reality. Lastly, the fig tree is still in our consciousness; expectations and desires towering over our pretty, wobbeling, overwhelmed heads…

In the attempt to establish a ground to reflect upon the ideas of the metaphor, I shaped a collection of quiet ideas which I would state is a global consensus. The current world which is our foundation is a combination of a substantial - and virtual world in the parallel. Two different realities, strongly intertwined. Thus, the synthetic world is dependent on the tangible one to exist - the tangible one will survive without the synthetic one. Furthermore, I will discuss upon a question which encapsulates my internal discussion on this matter. How can we transform the infinite virtual fig tree to a substantial reality, where it is possible to reach for our destiny?

The combination of these colliding worlds have challenged me in understanding; where do I exist? In which world I am the most present, if in any? I can’t help but wonder - where does my physical reality end, and where does it bridge onto a constructed one? My mission is to figure out my own stance, and make sure my feet have a solid stand somewhere I truly matter.

The simulation convinces us that we are a unity. We are persuaded that what we see through the media is ours too. In spite of this community - I am not pleased. The illusions are not within my reach! Perhaps my eyes can find comfort in resting upon these promising sights, yet my mind is restless because I can not feel the connection…shake the hand…hold the fig - how can one be glad about a reality served to us on a silver platter, where it was never meant for us to eat? I would like to taste the fruit, to wonder if it is any good, instead of getting the verdict presented to me. With a pretendful playness, that I should believe…even if I know; regarding the waiter with the silver platter will not fulfill my hunger - my dreams will simply defeat. May I escape the await for a synthetic reality? Can I find another way to let my taste buds work…I would like to meet the future - with genuinity.

When the time is right to intertwine the two worlds, I would like to be satisfied with the demand of yearns. To stand on the ground, knowing who I am in reality - that would be my priority, before I step into the simulation with vivid colours and surfaces of blasphemy.

Let's return to our starting point; the infinite virtual fig tree. Online, the illusion might be the most dazzling - yet, the roots are not in the same earth where you live. The roots in the simulation are never as deep as yours - nor the fig trees in the botanical gardens - the ones you should visit more. It might be easier to see what is directed at us with frantic efforts, on a hypnotizing vivid thing - yet, please ask yourself - are the screens…the windows…even real? How will one ever be successful in a chosen path if it is on a synthetic road? Yes, the process might be less convenient and dreamy on the dirty soil, thus, won't it be rewarding? The truth of knowing how to stop, feel the grass, and always have a stance where your feet were once buried in the ground - in front of the fig tree - where you can return home?

The vastness of the media shows what they want us to see, not necessarily what we can achieve. The seeds they plant make this simulation we are placed in - never our reality. So, that brings me to the major stake the individual has in this “perfect-play-pretend” - was this what you wanted, ever before you sat down in this blue-lighted cell? To ever make use out of your potential, there has to be a certainty of where your motivation lies. It might be many places - then make sure the ideas are some to hold - grasp them - and taste. Ambition will rot if there is never any opportunity to try. Of course, in pursuit of creating an idea - the dopamine will increase - yet for no end. The constant approach of disappearing into glamorous schemes, some far away from what we even think we can be, nevertheless we entertain the falsity. We might be content staring at the ideals of perfect fruit, thus, dearest reader - we both know that they are made out of plastic - and the drooling will never have us fulfilled.

My arguments and ideas are many, they might contradict and confuse, yet the base of my mission is of common use - how to stay to what is tangible - and build on that, on the grounds of a genuine call. To not confuse with the simulation which is built to distract and disorient, rather be present in the concrete. Growing up from the rough ground of the soil, we do have real, delicious, and most important of all - tangible - fig trees. The effort will have to be there, you can not simply seek it through a screen. A valuable, real, and rewarding life demands genuine efforts and attempts, yet it will not let your potential remain unseen.

The purpose I hold is to limit the endless world into a space where we can actually be. Please, take my word and encouragement to abandon the ever expanding illusion of hope…first, at least, find what is true and genuine. From that point on, when you have yourself, then go to a place where you can truly smell and view the figs. It might be hard to pick, yet take a taste or two - it is better than to let time swoon, and build upon what exists.

We can transform the infinite virtual fig tree to a substantial reality, and reach for our destiny. No change is needed of what is already made up to be. The tree on the screen will always capture you and bound you - meanwhile figs grow ripe, outside of your window, right in your field, and you are not even aware of the chances you are missing. The present is here, it is now. It starts at your feet, and ends where you decide to stop walking. Your destiny could be at the end of the road, by the side of it, or perhaps it was always right by your toes?

Remove yourself from the simulation, and re-learn what you truly know. It is here, much closer than it could ever be in the parallel world - one which will never be clear.