Self is the root, the tree, and the branches of all the evils of our fallen state.

When one has taken root, one puts out branches.

What could begin to deny self, if there were not something in man different from self?

I see my trees repair their boughs

Perfection does not consist in any singular state or condition of life, or in any particular set of duties, but in holy and religious conduct of ourselves in every state of Life.

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