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Journey of a thousand miles

Posted by Masakim on April 09, 2003

In Reply to: Journey of a thousand miles posted by ESC on April 09, 2003

: : : What does this mean "the journey of a thousand leagues begins from beneath your feet?"

: : : Vimala Raheja

: :
: : It means that a long journey can seem overwhelming until you start it. So, if a destination is a thousand miles/leagues away, it might be impossible to imagine ever arriving but by taking the first step is easy. Take enough single steps and you'll arrive.

: : It also implies that any overwhelming project is more manageable if broken up into smaller tasks.

: Another version: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Said by Confucius according to Quoteland.com

Not Confucius, but Laozi (or Lao-tzu).

64.
That which is at rest is easy to grasp.
That which has not yet come about is easy to plan for.
That which is fragile is easily broken.
That which is minute is easily scattered.
Handle things before they arise.
Manage affairs before they are in a mess.

A thick tree grows from a tiny seed.
A tall building arises from a mound of earth.
A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.
Contriving, you are defeated;
Grasping, you lose.

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