I knew, of course, that trees and plants had roots, stems, bark

Edward Steichen once declared: “I knew, of course, that trees and plants had roots, stems, bark, branches and foliage that reached up toward the light. But I was coming to realize that the real magician was light itself.” In these words, he unveils a truth that transcends the boundaries of art and science, a truth that belongs to the eternal wisdom of humankind. He speaks not only of trees and plants, but of the soul of creation, for it is light—invisible, powerful, and sacred—that gives form, color, and life to all things. Without it, the roots would dig in vain, the leaves would wither in silence, and the world itself would be a grave of shadows.

The origin of this saying lies in Steichen’s own life as a photographer and artist. He was a man who sought not merely to capture shapes but to unveil the hidden spirit of the world through the lens. In beholding light, he saw that it was not merely a physical substance, but the very magician of existence. For light is the sculptor of beauty, the revealer of truth, the eternal brushstroke that paints both dawn and dusk. His words remind us that what we often take for granted—the radiance of the sun, the glow upon a leaf, the soft shimmer of a face in twilight—is in truth the secret hand that reveals the wonder of life.

The ancients, too, held light as sacred. The Egyptians worshiped Ra, the sun-god, who journeyed each day across the heavens, carrying the world out of darkness. The Greeks revered Apollo, the bringer of illumination, not only of the skies but of the mind. And in the holy writings, the first command of creation was, “Let there be light.” From the very dawn of thought, humanity has known that light is more than brightness—it is the wellspring of order, growth, and revelation. Steichen, in his quiet reflection, echoed the voices of prophets and poets who came before him.

Consider the story of Galileo, who turned his telescope toward the heavens and saw the moons of Jupiter bathed in celestial light. What was hidden to all generations before him was revealed because light carried truth across the abyss of space. Galileo’s discovery was not just of moons and stars, but of the power of light to unveil what lay unseen. Just as Steichen realized its artistry upon the leaves of trees, Galileo realized its truth upon the canvas of the night sky. In both, light was the eternal teacher.

Thus, the meaning of Steichen’s words extends beyond art. He teaches us to look at life not as a mere collection of forms—roots, branches, bark—but as a dance shaped by unseen forces. Light is the symbol of insight, of clarity, of spirit. When we encounter darkness in our lives, we must remember that the smallest glimmer can transform our vision. When confusion blinds us, a spark of understanding can illuminate the path. In this sense, to seek the magician is not only to admire sunlight, but to seek wisdom wherever it shines.

The lesson we must take is this: never forget the unseen force that gives meaning to the visible. Just as a tree stretches to the heavens because of light, so too must our souls stretch toward truth, toward wisdom, toward compassion. Do not live only at the level of roots and branches, counting duties and burdens. Seek the illumination that transforms existence from mere survival into wonder. Train your eyes to notice the glow in common things: the morning sun through your window, the gleam of kindness in a stranger’s eyes, the golden hour that turns a weary day into beauty.

In your daily life, practice turning toward the light, both literally and metaphorically. Step outside and honor the sunrise. Read words that kindle clarity within you. Keep company with those who radiate goodness rather than those who darken your spirit. In every task, seek not only the form of what you do, but the light that gives it meaning. For the true magician is always present, waiting to reveal the extraordinary in what appears ordinary.

Therefore, remember Steichen’s wisdom: the world is filled with roots, stems, bark, and branches, yet none of these live without the magician’s touch. It is light that awakens the earth, that reveals beauty to the artist, that opens truth to the seeker. To follow the path of light is to live not only with eyes open, but with the soul awake. And those who walk in light shall never be lost, for their steps are guided by the very power that makes the world bloom.