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.
Credit: Henry David Thoreau
Comment: What is the meaning of "There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root"?
Source: Walden (chapter 1: Economy)
Books: Henry David Thoreau (1)
Quotations: Henry David Thoreau (3)
Blog Posts: Henry David Thoreau (1)
Quotations: Henry David Thoreau (3)
Blog Posts: Henry David Thoreau (1)
Image Credits: Pixabay
(Pixabay)
Conversational Leadership Workshop
In-person, 7–11 September 2026
Warbrook House, Hampshire, UK
In-person, 7–11 September 2026
Warbrook House, Hampshire, UK
We are living and working in conditions of uncertainty, complexity, and rapid change. This week-long workshop offers a space to practise Conversational Leadership as a shared, lived experience.
This quotation is part of a blook on Conversational Leadership. It is one of many quotations that have influenced my thinking on the subject. Parts of this blook have restricted access. You may browse the pages open to you, but you will need to register and be approved before you can login and access the full site. When you register, you may also sign-up to receive a quotation of the day by email.