• And perhaps the real beauty lies not just in how high we grow, but in how deeply we have struggled to stand.

By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden

In the quiet world of plants, two remarkable phenomena take place: Gravitropism and Phototropism. Though rooted in biology, they mirror something deeply human: our struggle, our resilience, and our unseen journey toward becoming.

Plants do not speak. They do not complain. Yet, beneath the soil and under the open sky, they are constantly responding to forces around them. Roots push downward, guided by gravity, anchoring themselves firmly into the earth. At the same time, shoots stretch upward, bending toward light, searching for energy, survival, and growth.

Human life, in many ways, follows the same silent laws.

The Invisible Half of Growth

When we see a tree standing tall, its branches spread wide, leaves glowing under the sunlight, we admire its beauty. But rarely do we think about its roots, buried deep in darkness, navigating stones, dryness, and resistance.

Similarly, when we see a person “shining” successful, confident, and accomplished, we often overlook what lies beneath:

• The sleepless nights during schooling, when understanding seemed impossible
• The pressure of college and university, where identity, competition, and expectations collide
• The endless job searches, rejection emails, and self-doubt
• The emotional exhaustion of working under difficult bosses or colleagues
• The silent stress of proving oneself repeatedly

These are the roots hidden, uncelebrated, but essential.

Growing Through Resistance

Just like in gravitropism, where roots grow deeper despite resistance, human beings are often pushed downward by life’s weight, failures, disappointments, financial struggles, and societal pressure. These forces can feel heavy, even suffocating.

But that downward push is not always destructive; it is often a foundation.

Every rejection builds resilience.

Every hardship strengthens character.

Every fall teaches balance.

Without deep roots, no tree can stand tall. Without struggle, no human can truly grow.

Reaching for Light

At the same time, like phototropism, we are naturally drawn toward something brighter: hope, purpose, opportunity.

• A student dreams of a better future
• A graduate keeps applying despite rejection
• An employee continues working with integrity despite toxic environments
• A businessperson risks failure to build something meaningful
• A migrant leaves home, family, and comfort to seek a new beginning in a foreign land

This is the human version of bending toward light.

Even when surrounded by darkness, something within us pushes us forward.

The Struggles We Don’t See

Consider the person who moves abroad. From the outside, it may look like a successful lifestyle, with new opportunities. But behind that image lies:

• Loneliness in unfamiliar places
• Cultural and language barriers
• Financial pressure
• Identity struggles
• The constant need to prove worth

Similarly, for a businessperson, success may appear glamorous. But it often comes after:

• Failed ventures
• Financial risks
• Stress and uncertainty
• Sleepless nights worrying about survival

And for employees:

• Office politics
• Unfair treatment
• Mental exhaustion
• The challenge of maintaining dignity in difficult environments

All of this is invisible, like roots beneath the soil.

When Growth Becomes Visible

One day, just like a plant breaking through the soil, growth becomes visible.

The student graduates.

The job seeker finally gets hired.

The migrant finds stability.

The business begins to flourish.

The individual starts to “shine.”

And suddenly, the world notices.

People say, “They are lucky.”

“They have everything.”

“They are successful.”

But what they see is only the shoot, not the roots.

A Change in Perspective

If we truly understand life through the lens of gravitropism and phototropism, our perspective changes.

We begin to realize:

• Every visible success has invisible struggles
• Every confident person has faced self-doubt
• Every stable life has gone through instability
• Every “shining” individual has grown through darkness

This understanding makes us more empathetic, more patient, and more respectful toward others.

The Quiet Lesson of Nature

Plants teach us something profound:

You don’t need to be seen to grow.

You don’t need applause to become strong.

You don’t need perfect conditions to move forward.

Just like a tree:

• Stay grounded during difficult times
• Keep growing even when progress is slow
• Keep reaching for light, even when it feels far away

Respect the Roots

The next time you see someone shining, confident, successful, or at peace, pause before making assumptions.

Behind that light is a long journey through darkness.

Behind that strength is a history of struggle.

Behind that growth is a story no one fully sees.

Human life, like plants, is a balance between gravity and light, between being pulled down and rising up.

And perhaps the real beauty lies not just in how high we grow, but in how deeply we have struggled to stand.

Read: One Sins, Another Pays Price

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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.

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