Kniphofia caulescens modest but still

Modesty is a virtue. Not all can reach the top of the pile, the apex of their hierarchy. That does not mean the less flamboyant Kniphofia caulescens plant will hold back when it comes to flowering.

In the order of things, the lesser ones that won’t get picked for the vase survive, set seed, and thereby eventually may weaken their species genetically while safeguarding it by producing offspring. Ignorance is bliss, although conscious feedback on achievements is not available as reward for plants, as far as people know today.

When the biggest, strongest bulls are continually hunted, the lesser ones produce a gradually weakening herd. If the early bird catches the worm, the late sleeper worms breed a population of later sleeper worms. And the birds learn to breakfast later. A new cycle may start from worms changing their habits in response. The surviving feature of a species is shaped by its durable circumstances, as gradually or rapidly changed over time. Such features keep changing as long as there is life, enough members in the species and enough time to breed sufficient generations.

Observers with a bent for understanding don’t live long enough to record too many such changes. They learn things from records kept by earlier observers and their own efforts. Records are kept of trends and findings for the benefit of those that come after them. Breakthroughs in insight and understanding here and there add excitement and herald course changes.

Although knowledge grows increasingly faster in our time, it grows slower than any living generation might have the patience for. Imagination and acquired needs build the impatience, sustain the drive. Impatience is not a problem, as long as modesty lasts and good questions are asked.