In Deuteronomy, one of the earliest books of the Old Testament, God warns us never to cut down fruit trees, even in the heat of battle. Deuteronomy is one of the five books of the Jewish Torah, the most sacred text in my people's religion.

Rabbis down the centuries have underlined the importance of nurturning trees.

One intensely holy man, Rebbe Nachman of Braslav, wrote in the 18th century, "If a person kills a tree before its time, it is like having murdered a soul." Ancient man was taught not to destroy trees for an excellent reason - they keep this planet alive.

Modern man sneers at all the old wisdom, and butchers whole forests daily for profit. And we think we're so clever!