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.

Summary

This quote suggests that many people are focused on addressing the symptoms or branches of evil, rather than addressing the underlying causes or root. It highlights the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of merely trying to alleviate problems without tackling their sources. Additionally, it presents the viewpoint that those who devote significant time and resources to helping the impoverished might inadvertently be contributing to the perpetuation of their suffering, by maintaining the systems and circumstances that lead to poverty.