Chapter 64
The Beginning of the Journey
Original
其安易持，其未兆易谋，其脆易泮，其微易散。为之于未有，治之于未乱。
合抱之木，生于毫末；九层之台，起于累土；千里之行，始于足下。
为者败之，执者失之。是以圣人无为故无败，无执故无失。
民之从事，常于几成而败之。慎终如始，则无败事。
是以圣人欲不欲，不贵难得之货；学不学，复众人之所过。以辅万物之自然而不敢为。
合抱之木，生于毫末；九层之台，起于累土；千里之行，始于足下。
为者败之，执者失之。是以圣人无为故无败，无执故无失。
民之从事，常于几成而败之。慎终如始，则无败事。
是以圣人欲不欲，不贵难得之货；学不学，复众人之所过。以辅万物之自然而不敢为。
Translation
What is still is easy to hold. What has no signs is easy to plan. What is brittle is easy to break. What is tiny is easy to scatter. Act before things exist. Govern before disorder begins. A tree as big as a man's embrace grows from a tiny shoot. A nine-story tower rises from a heap of earth. A journey of a thousand miles begins beneath your feet. Those who act, fail. Those who grasp, lose. Therefore the sage does not act, and so does not fail. Does not grasp, and so does not lose. People often fail when they are about to succeed. If you are as careful at the end as at the beginning, you will not fail. Therefore the sage desires no desire, and does not value rare goods. Learns not to learn, and returns to what the multitude overlooks. He helps all things find their own nature, but does not dare to act.
Deep Reflection
What is this chapter about?
This chapter teaches the power of prevention, patience, and humility. Great things start small; success comes from consistent care from beginning to end. The sage avoids forced action and instead supports natural growth.
How does it relate to me?
I often rush toward goals and then lose steam near the finish line. This reminds me to stay mindful and steady, not to force outcomes but to nurture them step by step.
What should I do today?
Today, I will start one small task I've been putting off, and commit to finishing it with the same care I would give at the start.
Related Chapters
My Reflection
What does this chapter inspire in you? How will you apply it?