# Jim Nielsen: Grow, Like a Tree Not a Cancer

> For the complete site index, see [llms.txt](https://danny.is/llms.txt)

https://blog.jim-nielsen.com/2025/grow-like-a-tree-not-a-cancer/

> Tree growth responds to its environment and integrates with its ecosystem. Growth is sustainable, balancing expansion and repair. It scales in harmony with its context.
> 
> Cancer growth is selfish, consuming resources at the expense of its host. Growth is uncontrolled until the system that supports it collapses. It scales through extraction until failure.
> 
> When we talk about the growth of technology in the 21st century, which kind of growth do you think best describes it?
> 
> “Hey, {social media | AI} grew so big, we all sat together under its canopy and enjoyed the shade.”
> 
> Said no one.
> 
> More likely: “Hey, {social media | AI} grew so big, it metastasized beyond what society could bear and now look at the mess we’re in.”