A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. — Lao Tzu · Smartyfair

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Lao Tzuphilosopher · Ancient China (traditionally 6th century BC)Lao Tzu was an ancient Chinese philosopher believed to have written the Tao Te Ching, a book about living simply and in harmony with nature — today considered one of the most translated books in the world, second only to the Bible.8 quotes

Source foundPerseveranceAncient

In plain words

Even the longest trip starts with one small step.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is: 85% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Tao Te Ching, Chapter 64 (attributed to Laozi)
Work: Tao Te Ching, chapter 64
Sources checked: en.wikipedia.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 20 August 2026

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More from Lao Tzu

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

Lao Tzu A violent wind does not outlast the morning; a squall of rain does not outlast the day. Such is the course of Nature.

Lao Tzu He who devotes himself to learning seeks from day to day to increase his knowledge.

Lao Tzu The highest excellence is like water.

Lao Tzu To those who are good, I am good; and to those who are not good, I am also good; and thus all get to be good.

Lao Tzu He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent.

More on perseverance

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

Confucius Slow and steady wins the race.

Aesop Patience is the key to relief.Arabic proverb Drops of water hollow out a stone.

Ovid Few things are impossible to diligence and skill.

Samuel Johnson Only after Winter comes do we know that the pine and the cypress are the last to fade.