Santiago Beruete: A Philosopher’s Journey Through Gardening.
Santiago Beruete, a philosopher and anthropologist, made the island of Ibiza his home years ago and has since become deeply connected with the land. Over time, he has penned several acclaimed books that explore the philosophy of living like trees. “Taking care of a plant is taking care of oneself,” he reflects, seated on the terrace of his home in the historic Dalt Vila neighborhood. Surrounded by climbing plants, African daisies, and yuccas, Beruete’s environment is as much a part of his philosophy as his words.
On his terrace, Beruete has created two distinct spaces: one for conversation and another for writing. It is here, in this serene setting, that he has nurtured ideas that have blossomed into books like Jardinsofía (now in its fifth edition), Verdolatría, Aprendidívoros, and Un trozo de tierra, all published by Turner.
When he isn’t writing, Beruete devotes his time to teaching high school students in Ibiza. He likens education to cultivation, drawing parallels between the classroom and a garden. “Educating is one of the meanings of the verb ‘to cultivate’,” he explains, humorously describing the classroom as a “nursery where wisdom is grafted onto human cabbages.” For Beruete, both educators and gardeners share a deep belief in the potential of a seed.
In Jardinsofía, Beruete champions values like patience, perseverance, and faith in the future. When asked how to begin with the practice of ‘gardensophy,’ he advises starting with a simple flowerpot. “Choose a plant that captivates you,” he suggests, “whether for its flowers, its geometry, or the memories it evokes.” According to Beruete, tending to plants reconnects us with the earth beneath our feet and fosters inner peace—a concept he calls his “philosophical photosynthesis.”
Beruete also has a personal tradition of planting a tree—a carob, fig, or lemon tree—whenever a significant event occurs in his life, such as the birth of a family member. This growing line of trees, he says, narrates his life story more eloquently than words ever could.
Reflecting on his childhood, Beruete recalls entering the world of gardening after his mother’s early death. He moved to his grandmother’s house in Pamplona, where he found solace in her garden. “She was a great gardener. Perhaps that’s why I see plants as an extension of the maternal,” he muses.
Through his experiences, Beruete has gleaned profound lessons from his metaphorical and literal gardens. Gardens, he says, are teachers of patience, gratitude, hope, and rest. Among the trees that most inspire philosophical reflection, he favors the olive tree, which he believes symbolizes the passage of time. He also points out the lessons different plants offer—some are aesthetic, like flowers; others are stoic, like aloe vera, which thrives in harsh conditions. He even identifies “ethical plants” that form symbiotic relationships with other species, promoting a more egalitarian society.
Since immersing himself in gardening, Beruete has shared the joy of this practice with thousands of readers. His philosophy is simple: tending to a garden, even something as modest as a single plant, can lead to personal growth and internal blossoming.