The journey of a thousand li commenced with a single step. — Lao Tzu · Smartyfair

The journey of a thousand li commenced 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.11 quotes

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What turned up: The Tao Teh King, or the Tao and its Characteristics; Translation: James Legge; Wording matched to cited full-text edition; whitespace, punctuation, capitalization and footnote markers normalized. Literary speakers reviewed.
Work: The Tao Teh King, or the Tao and its Characteristics
Sources checked: gutenberg.orgChecked using manual, 16 October 2026The Tao Teh King, or the Tao and its Characteristics; Translation: James Legge; Wording matched to cited full-text edition; whitespace, punctuation, capitalization and footnote markers normalized. Literary speakers reviewed.

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

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.

More wise sayings

The early bird catches the worm.English proverb Where there's a will, there's a way.English proverb No pain, no gain.English proverb Practice makes perfect.English proverb Rome wasn't built in a day.English proverb If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

William Edward Hickson