A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step (Laozi, Dao De Jing, Chapter 64)
千里之行始于足下|A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step
- Literal Meaning:
- The phrase states that even a long journey (1,000 li, an ancient Chinese unit of distance) starts with the first step taken at one’s feet.
- Core Principle:
- Action Initiates Achievement: Grand accomplishments or long-term goals require starting with small, immediate actions.
- Emphasis on Beginnings: The hardest part of any endeavor is often taking the initial step; persistence builds from there.
- Philosophical Context (Daoism):
- Wu Wei (Effortless Action): Aligns with the Daoist idea of natural progression—consistent small steps harmonize with the “way” (Dao) rather than forced effort.
- Anti-Impatience: Warns against fixating solely on distant outcomes; focus instead on the present action.
- Practical Application:
- Task Breakdown: Large objectives (e.g., learning a skill, reforming society) become manageable when approached incrementally.
- Overcoming Procrastination: Highlights the psychological power of beginning, however modestly.
- Contrast with Counterarguments:
- Unlike motivational slogans, Laozi’s version stresses humility—the first step is ordinary (a “foot（Here is the meaning of footsteps） below”), not heroic.
Key Takeaway: The phrase encapsulates Daoist pragmatism: transformative change arises from grounded, patient initiation.