# LX explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The chapter reflects on the distinction between uprooting an evil and rooting it up, emphasizing the difference lies in the reformer's approach.

## Key lines

> In eradicating an evil, it makes a difference whether it is uprooted or rooted up. The difference is in the reformer.

When removing a problem, the method matters—whether it is completely eliminated or merely displaced depends on the person doing the reforming.

_This aphorism highlights the subtle but significant impact of the reformer's character and technique on the outcome of reform._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/lx
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters