Lao Tzu: '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.'

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.

Lao Tzu's timeless wisdom encapsulated in the quote, '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,' serves as a profound reminder of the significance of taking action and embracing challenges in life. This quote emphasizes the idea that tackling difficult tasks when they appear more manageable and seizing opportunities in their infancy can lead to monumental achievements in the long run. It stresses the importance of initiating progress through small, consistent actions, as they are the building blocks for significant undertakings.An unexpected philosophical concept that can be introduced to delve deeper into the meaning of this quote involves the idea of existentialism. Existentialism, a philosophical movement that explores individual freedom, choice, and responsibility, can offer an intriguing perspective on Lao Tzu's message. While Lao Tzu's quote highlights the proactive approach to facing challenges and embarking on journeys, existentialism emphasizes the individual's agency in creating meaning and purpose in a seemingly indifferent universe. The existentialist viewpoint aligns with the essence of Lao Tzu's quote by emphasizing the individual's power to shape their destiny through conscious decisions and actions.When comparing the two concepts, we see a synergy between Lao Tzu's emphasis on taking the initiative and existentialism's focus on personal responsibility. Both philosophies underscore the transformative power of individual actions and highlight the importance of engaging with the world authentically and courageously. While Lao Tzu's quote encourages us to start small and work steadily towards our goals, existentialism adds another layer of depth by emphasizing the subjective nature of meaning-making and the profound impact of individual choices on one's journey.In essence, Lao Tzu's wisdom and the philosophical insights of existentialism complement each other in guiding us to embrace challenges, seize opportunities, and take ownership of our paths in life. By recognizing the significance of starting small, acting decisively, and accepting personal responsibility, we can navigate the complexities of existence with purpose and resilience. Ultimately, the combination of Lao Tzu's practical advice and existential philosophy encourages us to embark on our journey of a thousand miles with a mindful step and a conscious heart, shaping our destinies through intentional action and thoughtful reflection.