There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root, and it may be that he who bestows the largest amount of time and money on the needy is doing the most by his mode of life to produce that misery which he strives in vain to relieve.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Attacking symptoms of evil is less effective than addressing its root, and helping the needy can unintentionally sustain the problem.
- In plain terms
- Focus on root causes rather than superficial fixes.
- What can you take from it?
- Target underlying issues for lasting change.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What are the root causes of the problems you see?
- How can aid avoid reinforcing issues?
Another view
Identifying true roots can be complex and contested.
More from Henry David Thoreau
The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation.
Permalink to quote #103 Simplify, simplify.
Permalink to quote #105 The eye may see for the hand, but not for the mind.
Permalink to quote #102
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