There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at its root.

Summary

This quote, often attributed to Henry David Thoreau, suggests that efforts to address the problems and threats in the world often focus on surface-level issues rather than addressing their core causes. It implies that only a few individuals have the insight or determination to tackle the fundamental roots of evil or injustice, while the majority are preoccupied with more superficial actions that may offer temporary solutions but fail to solve the underlying problems. It serves as a reminder to seek long-lasting solutions by targeting the fundamental causes of problems rather than simply addressing their symptoms.