Do you sometimes smile at strangers? Are plants capable of feelings?

Zašto
What we don’t see, exists.
I always do. I don’t need to know someone to be friendly. A smile may seem
like just a simple greeting, but it’s a way of acknowledging the other person.
When I smile at you, I’m saying, “I see you; you exist.”
In our daily lives, we often overlook the people around us—not because
we don’t care, but because the sheer number of people in our surroundings
makes it seem insignificant to pay attention. Ironically, the crowd can some-
times make us feel more alone.
Now, consider expats—those who’ve moved to a country that isn’t their own.
They often experience loneliness, being far from family and friends. On top of
that, no one seems to notice them or make them feel seen.
It would make a difference if we took a moment to smile when we notice
someone, or even strike up a conversation. We all have stories to tell, and we
all need to feel acknowledged.

Next time I see you, I’ll smile. What about you?

Mimosa Pudica has sensitive compound leaves that fold in-
ward and droop when touched or shaken and re-open a few
minutes later. It is well known for its rapid plant movement.

Here is the definition given by the dictionary of the French

Academy, in its 1694 edition: “Species of plant, which we call
so, because it seems to have feeling, & to move away from
whoever wants to touch it.”

The leaflets of Mimosa pudica also close when stimulated in

other ways, such as touching, warming, blowing, and shak-
What is hidden behind our acts?

For a long time, I believed I had no power over the events un-
folding on our planet. I always sensed that money held more
power than anything else. It struck me as absurd that some-
thing as abstract as money could be more important than any
form of life... I can’t explain why, and I probably never will.

But something has changed. Now, I feel I have some influence

in this seemingly impossible struggle. Because money, or the
economy, needs me to exist. It needs all of us—consumers.
I began to realize that my everyday actions were not as inno-
cent as I thought; they could have an impact, and even chal-
lenge the enormous system at play. It’s no longer just about
what we want, but about what we truly need. The things we
ing, which are all encapsulated within mechanical or electri- truly need are simple.
cal stimulation. Yet, these simple things are under threat. Our food is so altered
that it’s barely even food anymore. It may fill us, but it doesn’t
What are PFAS ? nourish us. The water we drink is contaminated or simply un-
I had always considered plants to have feelings. I watch flow- available, the air is polluted, and our environment is deteriorat-
PFAS are molecules that were discovered by accident in the ers the same way I would watch you or an animal. ing because we keep our eyes closed and refuse to acknowl-
1930s by a chemist. They were first used in the development edge our responsibility. A responsibility that, in truth, is simple,
of the atomic bomb and later to coat American army shorts. As humans, we often recognize what we know. What we don’t and one we should feel fortunate to have been entrusted with.
However, their first major industrial and commercial use was know or don’t understand, we ignore or put on a lower level.
in PTFE, better known as Teflon frying pans. You might be thinking, “I already know all this,” and yes, I know
It is rarer, for example, to relate to a tree because it is further you do. But does it affect you?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are often referred
away from us in the order of life. And yet, a tree breathes, When you go to MacDonald’s, for example, it is a political act.
to as “forever chemicals” or “perennial pollutants.” These com-
pounds are found in countless everyday items: carpets, guitar eats and drinks, digests and moves. We seem more sensitive to Wether you decide to buy fruit that comes from the other side
the animal world because they are more similar to us. Maybe of the planet or seasonal products grown by small familly farms,
strings, electric vehicle batteries, paints, acne treatments, wrap- it is political.
pers for kebabs and fries, hip prostheses, and even dental floss. it’s the eyes, but plants can also see, otherwise they wouldn’t I’m not here to judge. I’m here to point out that every action we
For decades, manufacturers have relied on PFAS for their non- know where to grow. Maybe it is the interaction, but plants take is political, whether we realize it or not. What may seem
stick, anti-stain, water-resistant, and heat-resistant properties. can also interact, they can have great power over our bodies. like a harmless act of convenience could, in fact, be a political
However, many PFAS are now being studied for their harmful statement.
effects on health and their ability to persist in the environment We can recognize emotions in animals but when we watch
and the human body. Factories that pollute the air, water, and the vegetal world, we don’t see much movement or many ex-
soil release these chemicals into the environment, which then pressions similar to us. Trees are not moving, not perceptibly
find their way into our food and bodies. PFAS are literally ev-
anyway; they don’t seem to have a way to express themselves A smell is invisible.
erywhere, even inside us.
or to communicate with us. Nevertheless, they are. They exist
I’m not sure I want these “eternal pollutants” in my body. How Yet, it often has the power to trigger vivid mental images.
As children, we’re naturally curious, constantly ask- about you? on their own terms.
ing questions like, “Why is the sky blue?” or “Why To learn more and see the contamined places in Europe go to : The scent of a meal can bring back memories; the fra-
is the grass green?” We’re usually met with answers, https://foreverpollution.eu Have you ever thought about plant intelligence? About their
life and feelings? grance of someone’s perfume can comfort or irritate you;
and once we receive one, a new question arises. There’s the odor of rotten food signals your body not to consume
something fulfilling about asking questions, learning, it.
and, most importantly, being encouraged to inquire. If all plants could react in a human ‘way’ or with gesture, for
Have you ever smelled a tulip tree flower? example, like the Mimosa Pudica is doing, would you pay At times, smell offers a fresh perspective. It can serve as
more attention to them? a reminder: the burnt scent urging you to rescue the pie
As we grow older, we accumulate more questions but from the oven; the foul stench of garbage (especially in
find fewer people to answer them, and gradually, we summer) reminding us that, even when concealed behind
stop asking. Questioning starts to feel like something The lack of movement or talk doesn’t mean a lack of feelings
or intelligence. What we don’t see still exists. plastic, our waste still lingers; the unpleasant odor from
to avoid, as it can seem like an admission of igno- industry reminding us that certain powerful entities too
rance or even an imposition on others. Personally, I often prioritize profit over regulations and public health.
often catch myself holding back from asking, worried I The next time you are walking, take a moment to observe the
plants around you and think what kind of feelings they could As a resident of Varazdin I can’t ignore that most of the
might “cross the line.” time the city smell of chicken food. Maybe Vindija wants
have.
me to feel like a chicken in a cage - while I appreciate the
These unanswered questions linger, leaving behind a thought but I’d prefer not to. I assume you are supposed to
sense of frustration and discontent. And the next time you eat something, maybe think about the
feelings you may be absorbing from it. use filters, so please do!

This paper is a space for asking questions—any kind of Fortunately, there are also beautiful smells that bring back
question—because asking is the path to learning and When we look at our food, it is, or was, alive. Our inner body
is made of the same material that makes up the outer world. fond memories. Scents that act like Proust’s madeleine.
understanding. While not every question will have For me, it’s the smell of honey and almonds warming in
a clear answer, one thing is certain: every question It is the lives of others that make us live.
the pot as my mom prepares nougat. It’s also the smell of
sparks reflection. mixed lunches wafting up the staircase, sparking curiosity
Probably not, because they are too high up in the There is some debate concerning eating or not animal-based
food, but everything around us is alive. about the people behind the doors.
So let’s ask! Let’s think! tree. But next time you see one, try.
It has a delicate white chocolate smell.