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

More from Walden

• Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes.
• Aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something.
• A man receives only what he is ready to receive... The phenomenon or fact that cannot in any wise be linked with the rest of what he has observed, he does not observe.
• Any fool can make a rule, and any fool will mind it.
• Any fool can make a rule And every fool will mind it.
• Any fool can make a rule And every fool will mind it. Journals, entry for Feb. 3, 1860