Juan José Millás reflects on the intelligence of forest ecosystems

In an essay titled ‘Solo los siglos’, Juan José Millás reflects on the complex, slow-moving intelligence of forest ecosystems. He describes the forest as a vast, interconnected organism where biological processes occur at a pace often imperceptible to human senses.

Millás highlights the intricate networks formed by fungi, which scientists compare to a nervous system. These networks allow trees to exchange chemical signals and nutrients, enabling sick trees to receive help or healthy ones to be alerted to insect attacks. He notes that the forest operates with minimal waste, as bacteria, fungi, and insects constantly recycle organic matter, creating a self-sustaining digestive logic that has functioned for millions of years.