"Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."

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Insight & Reflection

This reflection on travel by Lao Tzu resonates across generations. It highlights a fundamental truth about human nature: our continuous search for meaning in travel is what ultimately defines our character and our path forward.

About Lao Tzu

Laozi is the name traditionally given to an ancient Chinese philosopher, also identified as Li Er or Lao Dan, who is regarded as the author or originating teacher associated with the Tao Te Ching, one of the foundational texts of Taoism. Traditional accounts place him in the 6th century BC state of Chu during China's Spring and Autumn period, describe him as a keeper of archival records at the Zhou court, and remember him as an elder contemporary of Confucius. Modern scholars remain divided over his identity, dates, and precise relationship to the received text: some regard the traditional Laozi as largely or wholly legendary, while others consider a historical Lao Dan plausible and accept the tradition that he was a senior contemporary of Confucius.

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Editorial Note: This quote is curated and fact-checked by the Quotes Archive Editorial Team. Verified Literature Specialist.

More by Lao Tzu

"It is a humble truth that vision without execution is fantasy; execution without vision is chaos."

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"In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present."

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"To walk the path of enlightenment means the silence between the notes creates the music."

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