I was pleasantly surprised as I walked onto campus Monday to see the “Eye-sore of Wisdom” had finally been demolished.
However, I was not pleased to read on The Daily Universe website a few hours later the university plans to replace it with an exact replica of the statue.
Unfortunately, every student has become acquainted with the oddly deformed tree sculpture just south of the Kimball Tower.
I hope I am not the only one to admit, although it may be historic in nature, it is anything but artistically pleasing.
It took me half of my freshman year to figure out the stack of white concrete was a tree and not in fact a large onion.
Although I am the first to admit I am a sucker for BYU nostalgia (who doesn’t miss Deseret Towers or a live Cosmo cougar at the football games), I will not go as far to accept the Tree of Wisdom as a necessary icon of BYU history.
I think this is a great opportunity for BYU to appreciate the past, but take a step into the future and build a new sculpture.
I can only imagine the beautiful art that could be created by current students and faculty that would also reflect the spirit and tradition of BYU.
Let’s remember, a time-machine trip back to 1975 every time we walk past the SWKT is not necessary for a wholesome BYU experience.
Ryan Hill
Provo
