Giant oak trees... have deep root systems that can extend

Joseph B. Wirthlin once spoke these powerful words: “Giant oak trees… have deep root systems that can extend two-and-one-half times their height. Such trees rarely are blown down regardless of how violent the storms may be.” In this simple yet majestic image, he revealed a profound truth about strength, resilience, and the foundation upon which a life is built. The oak tree, towering and mighty, stands not because of the majesty of its branches, but because of the unseen depth of its roots. So too is it with human beings: our endurance in times of trial depends not on what is visible, but on what lies hidden deep within.

The origin of this metaphor lies in both nature and scripture, for the oak has long been a symbol of steadfastness. Wirthlin, as a teacher and spiritual leader, sought to remind his listeners that true stability is not found in appearances, but in foundations. The storms of life—grief, failure, temptation, or despair—strike all people alike. Yet those who, like the oak, cultivate deep roots of faith, integrity, and discipline are not easily swept away. The image is both natural and eternal: for while storms are temporary, the rooted soul endures.

The ancients understood this lesson well. The Stoics of Greece and Rome spoke of cultivating inner virtue as roots that hold the soul steady when fortune’s winds blow wild. The Psalms compare the righteous to a tree planted by rivers of water, flourishing and unshaken. And even in myth, the world-tree Yggdrasil of Norse tradition stretched both upward and downward, binding the heavens, the earth, and the underworld. Everywhere, the wisdom is the same: strength above comes from depth below.

History, too, gives us living examples. Consider Abraham Lincoln. His life was storm after storm: poverty, loss of loved ones, repeated political defeat, the terrible burden of civil war. Yet he stood, unbroken, and carried a nation through its darkest trial. What gave him such endurance? Not mere ambition or eloquence, but roots—principles of honesty, perseverance, and faith in justice. These unseen roots allowed him to withstand storms that might have destroyed a lesser man. He was, in truth, like the giant oak, deeply grounded, standing tall though all around him shook.

The meaning of Wirthlin’s words, then, is not only about trees, but about our own lives. Many people strive to grow tall—seeking wealth, recognition, or power—without anchoring themselves in the soil of character and wisdom. Such lives may appear grand, but when the storms come, they are easily toppled. Others may seem modest, unnoticed, but within they have cultivated depth: patience, humility, faith, compassion. These are the unseen roots that hold them fast when the tempests rage.

The lesson for us is clear: do not neglect your roots. Nourish them daily with truth, prayer, study, and acts of kindness. Build character in quiet hours, so that when the public storms of life arrive, you will not fall. Seek not only to climb higher, but to dig deeper. Let your hidden foundation be stronger than your visible branches. In this way, your life will not only endure, but provide shade and shelter for others.

In your own practice, ask yourself: what am I rooting myself in? If it is vanity or pride, your roots will wither. If it is integrity, love, and eternal truth, they will spread wide and deep, unseen but unshakable. Take time to strengthen your unseen self—your principles, your faith, your discipline—as carefully as you strengthen your outward success. For storms will come to all, but only those who have prepared their roots will remain standing.

Therefore, remember Joseph B. Wirthlin’s wisdom: “Giant oak trees… have deep root systems… such trees rarely are blown down regardless of how violent the storms may be.” Let this be not only a description of nature, but a command for life. Be as the oak: towering not because of pride, but because of depth; unshaken not because storms do not come, but because you are rooted where storms cannot reach. And in your steadfastness, you will inspire others to stand firm as well.