The title is derived from [Walden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walden), in which [Henry David Thoreau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_David_Thoreau) writes: "There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root." Thoreau’s phrase "striking at the root" may be an allusion to Matthew 3:10 -- "And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire."