The answer is: Tree of knowledge of good and evil

Gen 2:17

The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil is a fascinating symbol in the narrative of Genesis. This command highlights the importance of free choice—the humankind as a unique act of creation, capable of making decisions that carry weighty consequences. You might wonder why God would place such a tempting tree in the garden to begin with. It leads us to ponder the nature of innocence and the unique moment when humanity stepped into awareness.

This tree wasn't merely about a piece of fruit; it represented a boundary. Think of it this way: boundaries are essential in establishing identity. Just as the sea has its shorelines—a place where water does not encroach on land—God set forth regulations that allowed humankind to thrive within created order. It's an invitation to choose wisdom carefully, intentionality wrapped in love from its Creator.

Interestingly, the concept of the 'fall' is echoed throughout literature and philosophy, often symbolizing a loss of innocence and the search for knowledge. It’s as if the Tree of Knowledge can represent this ancient journey toward understanding, and beyond it, complexity and consequence.

From craving knowledge—like Adam and Eve, to driving ambition today—this basal inclination drives our existence. Legend has it that the specific "fruit" could be an apple; its origins stem from a playful mistranslation of Latin. Roots of fascinating tales like these show how interpretation can evolve through cultures and times while continuing to dive into the deeper meanings within the simplicity of ancient texts.