Meaning of three phrases

Can anyone tell me what is the meaning of the following phrases:
1) buy myself next to nothing.
2) like spitting in the air.
3) Many search for the roots while some pick the fruits.

#1--What I am doing now that I have a kid starting college! And boy would I like a cd writer!

#2--Spitting in the air or spitting in the wind could mean it is gonna come right back at you.
Benjamin Franklin wrote to Tom Paine:"He who spits in the wind spits in his own face".

#3--If you are searching for the root of a vegetable plant you could probably do a cutting and grow more plants rather than just eat the fruits.
Long term planning and goals VS short term gratification?

All the above are strictly my personal opinions and observations!!