The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. -Lao Tzu

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" is a common saying that originated from a Chinese proverb. The quotation is from Chapter 64 of the Dao De Jing ascribed to Laozi, although it is also erroneously ascribed to his contemporary Confucius.

Laozi is also rendered as Lao Tzu or Lao-Tze, an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer. He is the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching, the founder of philosophical Taoism, and a deity in religious Taoism and traditional Chinese religions.

A semi-legendary figure, Laozi is usually portrayed as a 6th-century BCE contemporary of Confucius in the Spring and Autumn period. Some modern historians consider him to have lived during the Warring States period of the 4th century BCE. A central figure in Chinese culture, Laozi is claimed by both the emperors of the Tang dynasty and modern people of the Li surname as a founder of their lineage. Laozi's work has been embraced by various anti-authoritarian movements and has profoundly impacted subsequent Chinese philosophers, who have both commended and criticized his work extensively.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."

This quote tells us that even the longest and most difficult adventures have a beginning; something that begins with the first step.

This Chinese proverb means that a person must start his or her journey to reach their goal or destination. This is an inspirational saying that expresses great insights into determination and avoiding procrastination. If we are going to finish a task or an idea on time, it means that the first step is required. In other words, this expression tells us that great things start simple.

The phrase is also translated as A journey of a thousand miles begins from under the feet "and thousand-mile journey beings where one stands"

This proverb also extends to two contradictory phrases, "a thousand miles" and "one step," while emphasizing "one step." If the initiative is taken, the rest of the adventure will fall into place and the mission will begin. This also means that voyages marked as milestones start with one step. This proverb applies to a variety of situations where the action is required to accomplish a task. So, in this sentence, "journey" refers to a task/action and is not limited to travel. However, a step is an initiative or a starting point. "A thousand miles" represents the length of a journey, and "one step" is the first step. In other words, no matter how obscure the task, how long the journey, or how arduous the work, there is always an action required to start it.

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