Things are easier to plan before they manifest omens.
Things break easier while they are still frail.
Things are easier to scatter while they are still small.
Prevent problems before they arise.
Take action before things get too difficult.
The tallest tree begins as a tiny sprout.
A nine-story tower begins with one shovel of dirt.
A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.
Things break easier while they are still frail.
Things are easier to scatter while they are still small.
Prevent problems before they arise.
Take action before things get too difficult.
The tallest tree begins as a tiny sprout.
A nine-story tower begins with one shovel of dirt.
A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.
If you interfere with things and rush into them, you will fail.
If you hold on to things, you will lose them.
The wise do not fail because they do not interfere,
leaving things to take their course.
The wise do not lose things because they do not hold on to them.
People usually fail when they are about to succeed.
Be as careful of the end by the beginning, and there will be no
failure. Therefore, the wise desire no desire.
They do not value rare treasures.
They learn to unlearn and return to what many have missed,
so all things may be natural without interference.
-From Dao De Jing 64, translation by Yung Suk Kim
If you hold on to things, you will lose them.
The wise do not fail because they do not interfere,
leaving things to take their course.
The wise do not lose things because they do not hold on to them.
People usually fail when they are about to succeed.
Be as careful of the end by the beginning, and there will be no
failure. Therefore, the wise desire no desire.
They do not value rare treasures.
They learn to unlearn and return to what many have missed,
so all things may be natural without interference.
-From Dao De Jing 64, translation by Yung Suk Kim
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| Photo courtesy of Mi Young Yi |