“An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox.”
— Laozi
Simplified Meaning:
Even a small effort is more productive than doing nothing at all, no matter how powerful you are. Think about an ant and an ox. An ant is tiny and seems weak, while an ox is huge and strong. But if the ox is just sleeping, it doesn't achieve anything. Meanwhile, the little ant, always busy and moving, gets a lot done despite its size. In your own life, if you keep working steadily towards a goal, no matter how small your actions seem, you will make progress. Just like the ant, your consistent efforts add up over time. On the other hand, if you're capable but lazy, like a sleeping ox, your potential and strength won't help you at all. For example, a student who studies a little every day will learn more than a smarter student who never opens the book. So, no matter how small you feel or how little you think you can contribute, taking action will always be more beneficial than sitting back and doing nothing.
