“Govern a nation as you would cook a small fish. Do not overdo it.”
— Laozi
Simplified Meaning:
Running a country should be done carefully and without too much interference, just like cooking a small fish requires a gentle touch. If you use too much force or try to do too much, you can end up ruining things. Imagine frying a small fish; if you keep flipping it or use too much heat, it will fall apart or burn. In the same way, if leaders constantly change rules, make hasty decisions, or try to control everything too tightly, it can cause more harm than good. In our daily life, this can mean that when we have a problem or project, we should manage it carefully and avoid making too many changes or rash decisions. For example, if you're leading a team at work, giving your team clear direction but allowing room for their creativity and judgment can lead to better results than micromanaging them. Being patient and measured can help create a more stable and thriving environment, just as gentle cooking leads to a delicious meal.