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What's the meaning of the phrase 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step'?

The proverb ‘a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’ puts forward the notion that, however difficult a task is, you can only complete it if you first start it.

What's the origin of the phrase 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step'?

This proverbial saying is a classic of the sort that gets put onto posters and into self-help books as an inspirational thought. Many similar proverbs, for instance, the darkest hour is just before the dawn , speak softly and carry a big stick , a picture paints a thousand words etc., are wrongly assumed to have an ancient Chinese origin.

‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’ is different in that it actually was coined in China. Any saying that is associated with ancient China is generally labelled as being the work of Confucius. This one isn’t.

Westerners like myself, who don’t speak Chinese and have no real knowledge or understanding of Chinese history and culture, need to tread carefully when making pronouncements about who did what in China over two thousand years ago. What is generally accepted by scholars with a better grasp of Chinese and China is this…

The proverb ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’ is first found in the Tao Te Ching , which is a classical Chinese Taoist text usually credited to Laozi (a.k.a. Lao Tzu), and probably written between the 4th and 6th century BC. The original text is:

“A journey of a thousand li [a Chinese mile] starts beneath one’s feet”

The Tao Te Ching, is not a neatly bound and dated book with a definitive ISBN number that you might buy on Amazon. There are numerous fragmentary copies differing in content, language and authorship and dating over several centuries. The authorship is uncertain and disputed and some scholars dispute even the existence of Lao Tzu, claiming him to be mythical sage rather than a real living person.

We might usefully consider the Tao Te Ching as having a similar standing in Chinese culture as Aesop’s Fables has in the West. It is now widely believed that Aesop’s Fables weren’t written by one author and, even if they were, it wasn’t Aesop who may well not have existed in the flesh.

The ‘self-help’ nature of the phrase has led to some parody, including this from the Anglo/Australian writer Kathy Lette:

A journey of self-discovery starts with a single step… But so does falling down a flight of stairs.

See also: the List of Proverbs .

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“A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins With a Single Step” - Meaning and History

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer distance between you and your goals? If so, the saying "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" can help you realize that you can start where you are with what you have.

This ancient Chinese proverb is profound in its simple explanation of how we can achieve great things. Let's take a deeper dive into this quote's meaning, history, and more.

“A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins With a Single Step” – The Meaning

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” is a Chinese proverb that originates from the Tao te Ching . The meaning of this saying is that even the most difficult and longest ventures have a specific starting point. Similarly, it implies that daunting tasks can typically be begun by doing something very simple.

“We all carry the seeds of greatness within us, but we need an image as a point of focus in order that they may sprout.” – Epictetus

This is a very useful proverb to use in your own life when you’re faced with a challenge or working towards a goal that feels impossible. The reality is that all great accomplishments and victories are comprised of many smaller, more simple steps.

It’s impressive how profound the messages are in this short maxim. From these eleven words, we can extract the following:

• There is a starting point for even the longest and most difficult tasks
• Overwhelming tasks can be started by doing something simple
• Larger goals and challenges can be broken down into small steps
• If we want to achieve something, we can start today
• Procrastination only delays the process of taking small steps toward great things
• We can decide to begin doing something great today

For example, let’s say that you wanted to own the most successful landscaping business in your city. This might seem like a lofty goal if you’ve never so much as mowed a lawn. However, you can create a plan for yourself that is made up of many small steps and milestones. With hard work, diligence, and focus, you’ll find that you make steady progress toward your goal over time.

This expression doesn’t just apply to tangible, concrete goals, though. You can also use it when working on your own personal growth.

“Assemble your life… action by action. And be satisfied if each one achieves its goal… No one can keep that from happening…Action by action.” — Marcus Aurelius

Let’s say, for instance, that you’ve noticed that you constantly overthink things to the extent that it’s holding you back. When something is a deeply entrenched habit, you aren’t going to be able to break it overnight.

However, you might start by working on building self-awareness, so you become more conscious of your overthinking habit. From there, you might use specific techniques to escape overthinking, make decisions more quickly, and start taking action. As time goes on, you’ll find that you’ve traveled very far from your initial starting point of overthinking every little thing.

The History of the Quote

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” is found in Chapter 64 of the Tao te Ching , which is one of the fundamental texts for both religious and philosophical Taoism along with the Zhuangzi .

The author of this ancient text is regarded traditionally as Laozi. However, there has been much debate throughout history about the identity of the person or people that wrote and compiled this text. The Tao te Ching is sometimes referred to as the Laozi , particularly in Chinese sources, as ancient Chinese books were often referenced by the name of the author.

Laozi is considered to be the founder of both religious and philosophical Taoism and is a central figure in Chinese culture. Many Chinese religious movements have been profoundly influenced by the work of Laozi.

The traditional accounts of Laozi’s life state that he was born in the 6th century BC in the state of Chu. He worked for the Zhou court at Wangcheng as the royal archivist and even, on one occasion, met and impressed Confucius. It is said that he wrote the Tao te Ching before going off into the western wilderness.

In Chinese folk religions, Laozi is regarded as a god or a saint. During the Tang dynasty, he was worshipped as an imperial ancestor. There is much that is unknown about Laozi despite the fact that he is tremendously historically important.

Many scholars have questioned whether there ever was a historical Laozi at all. Whether or not the man himself ever really lived, there is no denying the tremendous influence that the Tao te Ching has had since it was written more than two thousand years ago.

Though we may never know the precise biography of Laozi or the author(s) of the Tao te Ching , there's no question about the impact of the text and Taoism as a whole on Chinese culture and the world at large.

Similar to Stoicism in some ways, Taoism is a philosophy that helps people understand how they can exist in harmony with the universe. The Tao (sometimes spelled "Dao") is a difficult-to-define concept that is sometimes understood to mean "the way of the universe."

Another primary idea in Taoism is the idea that there are balancing forces in the universe, which are known as yin and yang. These matching pairs (such as action and inaction, light and dark, and hot and cold) work in tandem to create a universal whole. These concepts, in part, illustrate the fact that nothing exists in a vacuum and everything is connected.

Taoism existed alongside Buddhism and Confucianism for many centuries until a number of major religions were banned in 1949.

Different Translations

Laozi’s Tao Te Ching is the most translated book in the entire world after the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita. There have been more than one hundred different translations into English alone, not to mention dozens of translations into French, German, Dutch, Italian, Latin, and more.

Written in Classical Chinese, the Tao te Ching is a notably difficult text to comprehend and translate. The notable twentieth-century scholar on modern Chinese religions, Holmes Welch, noted that the written Classical Chinese lacked the following:

• Active or passive
• Singular or plural

There are also many grammatical particles missing in the text, which typically make it possible for comprehension and translation to be more precise. On top of that, many of the passages are deliberately ambiguous and vague.

To make things more complicated, there also aren’t any punctuation marks in Classical Chinese. As you might imagine, this makes it hard to determine with certainty the start and end of any given sentence.

Given all of these considerations, it’s worth looking at some of the different translations of this particular saying within its context in Chapter 64 of the Tao te Ching :

The giant pine tree grows from a tiny sprout. The journey of a thousand miles starts from beneath your feet.  – Translated by Stephen Mitchell A tree you can barely get your arms around grows from a tiny shoot A nine-story tower begins as a heap of earth A thousand mile journey begins under your feet. – Translated by Michael LaFargue A tree as big as a man’s embrace springs from a tiny sprout. A tower nine stories high begins with a heap of earth. A journey of a thousand leagues starts where your feet stand. – Translated by Wu A tree broader than a man's embrace grows from a tiny seedling. The tallest tower starts from a clod of earth. The longest journey begins with the first step. – Translated by Han Hiong Tan By closing the door, the entry is not possible, A big tree was in its beginning a tiny offshoot, Thus a great expedition starts with a little step.  – Translated by Sarbatoare A tree that fills the arms' embrace is born from a downy shoot; A terrace nine layers high starts from a basketful of earth; An ascent of a hundred strides begins beneath one's foot. – Translated by Victor H. Mair A tower of nine levels Starts from the dirt heap A journey of a thousand miles Begins beneath the feet – Translated by Derek Linn A massive tree grows from a little sprout.  A nine-story building rises from a clod of earth. A thousand fathoms begin with a single step. – Translated by Edward Brennan and Tao Huang A tree that can fill the span of a man’s arms Grows from a downy tip; A terrace nine storey’s high Rises from hodfuls of earth; A journey of a thousand miles Starts from beneath one’s feet. – Translated by D.C. Lau A tree as a big as a man’s embrace grows from a tiny shoot. A tower of nine storeys begins with a heap of earth. The journey of a thousand li starts from where one stands. – Translated by Wing-tsit Chan A tree so big that it takes both arms to surround starts out as the tiniest shoot; A nine-story terrace rises up from a basket of dirt. A high place one hundred, one thousand feet high begins from under your feet. – Translated by Robert Henricks A tree with a full span’s girth begins from a tiny sprout; A nine-storied terrace begins with a clod of earth. A journey of a thousand li begins at one’s feet. – Translated by Yutang Lin The most massive tree grows from a sprout; The highest building rises from a pile of earth; A journey of a thousand miles begins with a step.

– Translated by Thomas Cleary

As you can see, some of these passages use the word li in describing the length of the journey. The li is a traditional Chinese unit of distance and is also known as the Chinese mile. Precisely how far a li is has varied quite a bit over time. Generally, though, it used to be about one-third of an English mile and is now standardized as a half-kilometer.

Stoicism and the Tao te Ching

There are a number of notable similarities between the Tao te Ching and the philosophy of Stoicism . These include the importance of virtue, the idea that fear is created in the mind and not by external events, and the reality that adversity helps you to grow .

“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” – Epictetus

Let's dig into some of the major overlaps between these two schools of thought.

Understanding What’s In One’s Control

In the Tao te Ching , the author expresses that the wise person is able to look reality squarely in the eye without trying to exert control over it.

The Master sees things as they are, without trying to control them. She lets them go their own way, and resides at the center of the circle. – Laozi

Stoicism similarly posits that we must understand and accept the things that are outside of our control. Beyond that, we can even strive to embrace the way that things happen, even if it seems like the universe has turned against us. Through amor fati , we can see the bigger picture and recognize that all things that happen are, if not good, at least necessary.

Observe Yourself

When paging through the Tao te Ching , you'll likely notice the similarity that both Taoism and Stoicism ask you to watch yourself carefully.

“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.”  – Laozi

Both of these schools of thought ask us to focus on our own actions rather than attaching ourselves to specific outcomes. They ask us to overcome ourselves and conquer ourselves.

Doing What Is Best For the Hive

Both Stoicism and Taoism emphasize the importance of the collective good. At the same time, they approach achieving what is best for humanity through the improvement of each individual.

It's easy to look at the world and see that things could be better. It's easy to run around blaming just about everyone for the state of things. The truth is, though, that you can't change other people by telling them how they should be. All you can do is work to improve yourself, and perhaps then you'll find that other people are changing by the nature of your example.

Relationship With Nature

Both Stoicism and Taoism propose that being a virtuous person means acting in accordance with nature.

“Water gives life to the ten thousand things and does not strive. It flows in places men reject and so is like the Tao. In dwelling, be close to the land. In meditation, go deep in the heart. In dealing with others, be gentle and kind. In speech, be true. In ruling, be just. In business, be competent. In action, watch the timing. No fight: No blame.” – Laozi

Even though Taoism and Stoicism both advocate for a return to nature of sorts, this doesn't mean that they were calling for people to run off into the woods to live as hermits. They both share the idea that it's possible for living in accordance with nature to coexist with life in society.

Letting Go of What Others Think of You

If we're not careful, it's easy to let what other people think of us control who we are and what we do. Instead of being directed by the opinions of others, we can turn inward and try to access our inner resources and personal purposes.

“When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everyone will respect you.”

Both Taoism and Stoicism point toward the necessity of not being driven by a desire for reputation, fame, or approval. In the above quote from the Tao te Ching , Laozi reminds us of the odd truth that the way actually to gain people's respect is to be content as yourself without the need for the approval of others.

“Your days are numbered. Use them to throw open the windows of your soul to the sun. If you do not, the sun will soon set, and you with it.” – Marcus Aurelius

Powerful Quotes From the Tao Te Ching

Despite the fact that the Tao te Ching was written thousands of years ago, you'll find that the words of this text are surprisingly relevant to your own life. The timeless wisdom found in this book is something that you can return to over and over again in different seasons of your life.

For this reason, we included the Tao te Ching on our list of 21 books that will change the way you think . If you're ready to revolutionize your life with new ideas and knowledge, this list is a great jumping-off point.

“A man with outward courage dares to die; a man with inner courage dares to live.” – Laozi “Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being. Patient with both friends and enemies, you accord with the way things are. Compassionate toward yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world.” – Laozi “If you try to change it, you will ruin it. Try to hold it, and you will lose it.” – Laozi “To understand the limitation of things, desire them.” – Laozi “Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know.” – Laozi “The truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth.” – Laozi “If you understand others you are smart. If you understand yourself you are illuminated. If you overcome others you are powerful. If you overcome yourself you have strength. If you know how to be satisfied you are rich. If you can act with vigor, you have a will. If you don't lose your objectives you can be long-lasting. If you die without loss, you are eternal.” “The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long.” – Laozi “A leader is best When people barely know he exists Of a good leader, who talks little, When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, They will say, “We did this ourselves.” – Laozi “The wise man is one who, knows, what he does not know.” – Laozi “If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.” – Laozi “The further one goes, the less one knows.” – Laozi “When there is no desire, all things are at peace.” – Laozi “Close your mouth, block off your senses, blunt your sharpness, untie your knots, soften your glare, settle your dust. This is the primal identity.” – Laozi “When people see some things as beautiful, other things become ugly. When people see some things as good, other things become bad.” – Laozi “Trying to understand is like straining through muddy water. Have the patience to wait! Be still and allow the mud to settle.” – Laozi “A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent upon arriving. A good artist lets his intuition lead him wherever it wants. A good scientist has freed himself of concepts and keeps his mind open to what is.” – Laozi “What is a good man but a bad man's teacher? What is a bad man but a good man's job? If you don't understand this, you will get lost, however intelligent you are. It is the great secret.”  – Laozi “Success is as dangerous as failure. Hope is as hollow as fear.” – Laozi “True words aren't eloquent; eloquent words aren't true. Wise men don't need to prove their point; men who need to prove their point aren't wise.” – Laozi “The Master has no possessions. The more he does for others, the happier he is. The more he gives to others, the wealthier he is.”  – Laozi “My teachings are older than the world. How can you grasp their meaning? If you want to know me, Look inside your heart.”  – Laozi “Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt.”  “He who stands on tiptoe doesn't stand firm. He who rushes ahead doesn't go far. He who tries to shine dims his own light. He who defines himself can't know who he really is. He who has power over others can't empower himself. He who clings to his work will create nothing that endures. If you want to accord with the Tao, just do your job, then let go.” – Laozi “To bear and not to own; to act and not lay claim; to do the work and let it go: for just letting it go is what makes it stay.” – Laozi “Not-knowing is true knowledge. Presuming to know is a disease. First realize that you are sick; then you can move toward health.” – Laozi “A great nation is like a great man: When he makes a mistake, he realizes it. Having realized it, he admits it. Having admitted it, he corrects it. He considers those who point out his faults as his most benevolent teachers. He thinks of his enemy as the shadow that he himself casts.” – Laozi “Failure is an opportunity. If you blame someone else, there is no end to the blame. Therefore the Master fulfills her own obligations and corrects her own mistakes. She does what she needs to do and demands nothing of others.” – Laozi “If good happens, good; if bad happens, good. ” – Laozi “The heart that gives, gathers.” – Laozi “The road you can talk about is not the road you can walk on.” – Laozi “True perfection seems imperfect, yet it is perfectly itself. True fullness seems empty, yet it is fully present. True straightness seems crooked. True wisdom seems foolish. True art seems artless.” – Laozi “Nothing in the world is as soft and yielding as water. Yet for dissolving the hard and inflexible, nothing can surpass it. – Laozi The soft overcomes the hard; the gentle overcomes the rigid. Everyone knows that is true, but few can put it into practice.” – Laozi

Quotes With a Similar Message

While "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" is a succinct and powerful way to describe the fact that even large undertakings start with small tasks, many other thinkers throughout history have discussed the same phenomenon.

“Now is the time to get serious about living your ideals... How long can you afford to put off who you really want to be? Your nobler self cannot wait any longer.” – Epictetus

Let's look at a few other quotes from people about starting where you are and working toward your goals.

“It’s not that we have little time, but more that we waste a good deal of it.” – Seneca the Younger “Putting things off is the biggest waste of life: it snatches away each day as it comes, and denies us the present by promising the future. The greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which hangs upon tomorrow and loses today. You are arranging what lies in Fortune’s control, and abandoning what lies in yours. What are you looking at? To what goal are you straining? The whole future lies in uncertainty: live immediately. ” – Seneca the Younger “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” – Vincent Van Gogh “Don't wait. The time will never be just right.” – Napoleon Hill “It is better to take many small steps in the right direction than to make a great leap forward only to stumble backward.” – Old Chinese Proverb “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” – Theodore Roosevelt “Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.” – Chinese Proverb “You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.” – Robert Louis Stevenson “The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” – Chinese Proverb “The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small, manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” – Mark Twain “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney "All big things come from small beginnings.The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger. Roots entrench themselves and branches grow. The task of breaking a bad habit is like uprooting a powerful oak within us. And the task of building a good habit is like cultivating a delicate flower one day at a time.” – James Clear "Do what you can, with what you've got, where you are." – Squire Bill Widener

Final Thoughts on 'A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins With a Single Step'

This quote from the Tao te Ching is something that you can return to over and over again.

If you are struggling to find the motivation to work toward a goal, you can remind yourself that even the longest journeys consist of small steps and begin where a person is standing.

If you feel like the obstacles in front of you are too much for you to overcome, you can find some solace in the reality that all giant projects can be broken down into smaller, manageable tasks.

You can apply this proverb to your professional life and to your personal life. It is just as useful when you want to write a novel as it is when you want to quit drinking. You'll find it just as powerful when you want to climb a literal mountain as when you want to actively work to overcome anxiety and depression .

It's important to remember that, in life, good things take time. Becoming the person you want to be isn't going to happen every night. Work on making progress every day , and you'll be surprised where you find yourself in just a few months' time.

Are you searching for more insight and inspiration to help you live a better life? Make sure you check out our Stoic Quotes blog.

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A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step

Meaning of “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”.

This Chinese proverb means that a person must begin his or her journey to reach their goal or destination. It is a motivational proverb that expresses deep insight about determination and avoiding procrastination. It means a first step needs if we intend to finish a task or a thought on time . In other words, this expression tells that the great things commence with simple beginnings.

This proverb also stretches across two paradoxical phrases , ‘thousand miles’ and ‘single step’ while the emphasis is on a ‘single step.’ If an initiative is taken, the rest of the venture falls into place, and the mission starts. It also means that a voyage marked as a milestone starts with a single step. This proverb applies to a wide range of different circumstances where action needs to be taken for the completion of a task. Hence, in this saying ‘journey’ means a task/action and that it does not stay limited to traveling only. However, a step is an initiative or a starting point. A ‘thousand miles’ shows the longevity of a journey, while a ‘single step’ is an initial move. In other words, no matter how ambiguous the task is, how long the journey is or laborious the work is, a movement is always required to begin it.

Origin of “A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step”

“A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step” is a saying by an ancient Chinese philosopher. The original text is “A journey of a thousand li starts beneath one’s feet.”  Here li means distance. This quote was first used in Chinese classic text; Tao Te Ching attributed to Lao Tzu, a renowned Chinese philosopher. It was probably written between the 4 th or 6 th century.

Tzu’s powerful words have always been shadowed by renowned people. American President, John F Kennedy reintroduced this quote “A Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” in 1963 about the first nuclear test ban agreement.

Examples in Literature

The journey of a thousand miles… by Ronnie James Corbin

“I’m pretty drunk right now , But my thoughts are clear enough to say, I believe in you. I believe in your dreams . I believe you can overcome your flaws. I believe you could write the masterpiece of our generation. You could cure cancer, bring world peace, and feed the hungry. You can show love. You can breathe your positive presence into the air. I want you to go forth and shine like the beautiful star that you are. Together we can demolish our egos. Start on the path to purity. They say the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step, So hold my hand, and follow me, As I take mine.”

Ronnie James Corbin is an Ohio-based American poet wrote this poem for his sweetheart requesting her to join the poet to defeat every other thing, including cancer. The use of the first person and the second person to counter it balances the poem. The poem is a marriage proposal after the presentation of both figures. It gets clear in the third last line where the long journey is a long life, while the next line shows the invitation as “hold my hand”.

There Is No Easy Way (But There Is a Way) by Willie Nelson

Now that we’re back together the battle is half won We’ll try to save a part of yesterday I know it won’t be easy but at least we have begun There is no easy way but there is a way We both could use some understanding trust would help And the journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step And is love not worth the price we’ll have to pay There is no easy way but there is a way We both could use some understanding trust would help And the journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step And is love not worth the price we’ll have to pay There is no easy way but there is a way

Willie Nelson, a songwriter and poet, wrote this song to convey his colleague and beloved that they could start the relationship again as there is always a way even if nothing is easy. For this purpose, he has used this proverb as a repetition as well as a refrain in the last two lines of both stanzas .

Journey of a Thousand Miles My Story By Lang Lang and David Ritz

This is an autobiography of a Chinese pianist Lang Lang. He co-wrote the book with David Ritz to underline his hard struggle when moving from a western Chinese city to Beijing. It is not just the story of a pianist prodigy, but a family saga. The writer includes his whole family, who supported Lang Lang until his stardom. His father’s tireless struggle to make his song a star goes a long way. Therefore, the title of the biography shows the courage and sacrifice that a father has demonstrated to make his son a star.

Examples in Sentences as Literary Devices

Example #1: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and is finally covered after a time.” Here the proverb shows the journey that is covered only when a step is taken.

Example #2: “ He is an epitome of a journey of a thousand miles beings with a single step as he always takes a small step to do everything and completes it on time.” Here the proverb has been used as a metaphor as it shows the person as the model.

Example #3: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step is like a task that has many parts, and if a small part is done, it means the big task will be done too.” The proverb has been used as a simile as the use of “like” shows.

Example #4: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step forward or ends with a single step back.” This proverb also shows the use of a paradox a journey is of thousand miles, but it starts with a single step.

Example #5: “ A journey as long as a thousand mile begins with a single step” shows its use as a simile as it compares the longevity of a journey with a thousand miles. However, the proverb has been twisted a bit with the words “as long as”.

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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.

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the tasks ahead of us. However, the profound words of Lao Tzu remind us of the importance of taking prompt action and seizing opportunities while they are still within our reach. "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." This simple yet poignant quote encapsulates the essence of perseverance, strategy, and the power of starting small.At its core, this quote encourages us to tackle challenging tasks early on, rather than postponing them until they become insurmountable. It teaches us the wisdom of breaking down overwhelming objectives into smaller, manageable steps. By addressing difficulties while they are still relatively easy, we not only increase our chances of success but also develop a sense of confidence and self-belief.The significance of Lao Tzu's words extends beyond the realm of productivity and goal attainment; it holds a deeper philosophical truth. Taking into consideration an unexpected concept, let's explore the idea of Taoism here. Taoism is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with the Tao, an entity that cannot be comprehended or expressed in words. In the context of Lao Tzu's quote, we can interpret the "difficult things" as obstacles and challenges in life, while the "great things" represent our ultimate purpose or destiny.While it may seem paradoxical, Taoism teaches that true greatness lies in embracing simplicity and humility. By undertaking difficult tasks while they are still easy, we align ourselves with the Tao's principles, gracefully navigating life's ups and downs. We learn to appreciate the value of small actions, recognizing that they lay the foundation for extraordinary achievements.In contrast to the common belief that greatness is achieved by grand gestures or instant success, Lao Tzu invites us to consider a different perspective. By emphasizing the importance of starting small and taking that single step, he reminds us that even the most significant journeys are a compilation of individual moments of courage and perseverance.When we dive deeper into the philosophy behind this quote, we realize that it encourages a shift in mindset. Instead of fixating on the overwhelming task at hand, we learn to focus on each present moment. By breaking down a journey of a thousand miles into that single step, we gain a new sense of appreciation for the process itself. We are reminded that each step has value – it is not simply a means to an end but a testament to our growth, resilience, and determination.In a culture that often glorifies overnight success and instant gratification, Lao Tzu's words offer solace and guidance. They remind us that the path to greatness is not linear or straightforward but rather a series of small steps, each contributing to the whole. By embracing this philosophy and adopting a mindset rooted in mindfulness and patience, we can navigate the challenges of life with grace and resilience.Ultimately, Lao Tzu's quote serves as a reminder of the importance of starting, even when the magnitude of the task ahead seems overwhelming. It urges us to embrace the simplicity and power of small actions, recognizing that they lay the groundwork for greatness. So, let us heed these words and embark on our own journeys, one step at a time, knowing that with each step, we are inching closer to our aspirations and becoming the best versions of ourselves.

Lao Tzu: 'Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.'

Lao tzu: 'kindness in words creates confidence. kindness in thinking creates profoundness. kindness in giving creates love.'.

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

When you succeed, people will probably see your success, but it is only you who knows all that it took to make you reach the point where you are today!

People usually talk about successful people too often, but they tend to forget to mention all the effort that it took to help you reach up to the position where you have been standing today.

Remember that the journey of a thousand miles does not happen in just a day; it takes miles to make that happen. You do not turn out to be successful overnight. It will take months and years to reach up to the position where you have been craving all this while.

Know that the path to success isn’t smooth, but if you have patience and an intention, you are sure to make up to it.

It takes one step to begin that journey, and that is the toughest segment of all. An initiative is the most integral part of gaining success.

Everyone can dream big, but it takes a lot of courage and focus to step down from the bed and think of walking ahead.

It is quite obvious that you will have to dedicate a lot of time in order to complete the journey, but if your intention is true, you will make it happen, be it sooner or later.

The path to success might be too long, but when you are motivated, you are sure to turn it according to you. All you need is to keep your peace of mind and keep on working hard.

At times, things might not go smooth, or turn against you, but that’s when you should keep calm and remind yourself of all the positive things that had occurred to you all through the journey.

Taking a step is a big deal, and that’s where most of the applicants tend to fail. Yes, you might have to take a risk, but that’s how the game works! You dream big, you risk it bigger, and it turns out to be even bigger.

Hence, if you want things to happen bigger, you might require to take a bigger bait, and only when you do it, you shall expect to get a bigger return.

Reaching up to that peak of success is a long journey , but when you take that small step, you gear yourself up for that bigger journey.

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Journey Of A Thousand Miles Quotes

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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.

We will never make a journey of a thousand miles by fretting about how long it will take or how hard it will be. We make the journey by taking each day step by step and then repeating it again and again until we reach our destination.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Watch your step.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a cash advance.

According to the ancient Chinese proverb, A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step and if that step is the right step, it becomes the last step.

A journey of a thousand miles starts in front of your feet. A tower nine stories high is built from a small heap of earth. A journey of a thousand miles starts in front of your feet.

A journey of a thousand miles continues with the second step.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single happy delusion that it can be done without a stop-over.

Here is an old Oriental proverb: *A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.* It is difficult to anticipate just how a situation will develop in every detail until you take a step forward and try out your present equipment. Then, if weaknesses appear, you will have clues as to how to strengthen your resources. No scheme or plan is perfect. Perfection is a process, not an end.

A tree that can fill the span of a man's arms grows from a downy tip; A terrace nine stories high rises from level earth; A journey of a thousand miles starts from beneath one's feet.

It was either me or Confucius that said the journey of a thousand miles begins with a vicious ass raping at airport security.

To take a journey of a thousand miles, you have to begin with the first step from the place where you stand; the romantic description of the journey and the things the body sees on the way and the description of the scenery are of no use unless you lift your foot and take the first step.

The journey of a thousand miles starts from beneath your feet. NOTE: Other translations exist, such as:Great trees grow from the smallest shoots;a terraced garden, from a pile of earth,and a journey of a thousand milesbegins by taking the initial step.

The tree which needs two arms to span its girth sprang from the tiniest shoot. Yon tower, nine stories high, rose from a little mound of earth. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

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a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

• 1.1 Alternative forms
• 1.2 Etymology
• 1.3 Pronunciation
• 1.4.1 Synonyms
• 1.4.2 Translations

English [ edit ]

Alternative forms [ edit ].

• a journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step
• a thousand-mile journey begins with the first step

Etymology [ edit ]

Calque of Chinese 千里之行，始於足下 ( qiānlǐ zhī xíng, shǐyú zú xià ), quoted by the Chinese philosopher Laozi in the Tao Te Ching . This quote is sometimes erroneously attributed to Laozi's contemporary , Confucius , who is the founder of Confucianism , or to the Japanese.

Pronunciation [ edit ]

Proverb [ edit ].

• 2020 , Malcolm Turnbull , The Reluctant Republic , Hardie Grant Publishing, →ISBN : It has often been said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step . We have made many steps in our journey towards the republic, and perhaps are closer to our destination than we imagine.
• 1989 , Stephen Covey , The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People , Free Press, →ISBN : “ A thousand-mile journey begins with the first step ” and can only be taken one step at a time. If you don't let a teacher know at what level you are—by asking a question, or revealing your ignorance—you will not learn or grow.
• 1981 , Robert Leland Youngs, Forest products research needs and prospects (thinking globally, acting locally) , Forest Products Laboratory, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture: The problems are great--but this means that the opportunities are also great. In this situation it is well to remember the ancient wise words of Lao Tzu " A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step ."

Synonyms [ edit ]

• take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves
• many a mickle makes a muckle
• every little helps
• little and often fills the purse

Translations [ edit ]

• English terms calqued from Chinese
• English terms derived from Chinese
• English terms with audio links
• English lemmas
• English proverbs
• English multiword terms
• English terms with quotations
• English terms with non-redundant non-automated sortkeys
• English entries with language name categories using raw markup
• Arabic terms with non-redundant manual transliterations
• Cantonese terms with redundant transliterations
• Mandarin terms with non-redundant manual transliterations
• Hebrew terms with redundant script codes
• Hindi terms with redundant script codes
• Serbo-Croatian terms with redundant script codes

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Lao Tzu – The Journey Of A Thousand Miles

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” This famous quote, attributed to the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu , has long been a source of motivation and inspiration for people embarking on new endeavors. 

Whether it’s starting a new job, launching a business, or pursuing a personal goal, the quote reminds us that no journey is too long or too difficult when we break it down into small, manageable steps. It’s a powerful reminder that even the most daunting of tasks can be accomplished when we take that first step and begin our journey.

We will take a closer look at the meaning and significance of this quote, and explore how it can be applied to our daily lives. We will analyze the quote in-depth and offer personal anecdotes and examples to illustrate its relevance in the real world.

The meaning of the quote “The Journey Of A Thousand Miles”

The quote “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” is a simple yet powerful statement. It reminds us that even the longest and most challenging journeys start with a single step. It encourages us to take that first step, to start the journey, no matter how daunting the task may seem.

The quote is also a reminder that even small steps are progressing. Every step we take brings us closer to our destination and every step is a victory in itself. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the enormity of a goal, but by focusing on taking one step at a time, we can break the task down into manageable chunks and make steady progress.

The quote implies that the journey is important, not the destination. The journey itself is a learning experience, a process of growth and development, and the destination is only the final outcome. By enjoying the journey and learning from it, we can achieve a deeper sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

Additionally, the quote can be interpreted as an encouragement for self-reliance, as it implies that the individual has the power and capability to take the first step and start the journey by themselves.

The relevance of this quote in real-life

To illustrate the relevance of this quote in real-life, you can use personal anecdotes or examples. For instance, you could mention how you started a new business and how you took the first step and kept moving forward, one step at a time.

Or you could share the story of a friend who decided to run a marathon, and how he broke it down into small, manageable training sessions, to reach his goal .

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” is a quote that reminds us of the importance of taking action, breaking down goals into manageable steps, and enjoying the journey. It’s a powerful reminder that we all have the capability to take that first step and that every step we take is progress.

We have explored the quote “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,” attributed to Lao Tzu , and discussed its meaning and significance. We have analyzed the quote in-depth and provided personal anecdotes and examples to illustrate its relevance in the real world.

As we’ve seen, the quote serves as a powerful reminder that no journey is too long or too difficult when we break it down into small, manageable steps. It encourages us to take that first step, to start the journey, no matter how daunting the task may seem. It’s a reminder that even small steps progress, and that the journey is just as important as the destination.

We hope this post has been informative and inspiring, and that you will take the message of this quote to heart. We encourage you to share this post with your friends and family and leave a comment with your thoughts on the quote. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles starts with one step, and you are capable of taking it.

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Lao tzu quote – “the journey of a thousand miles…”.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

Lao Tzu (570 – 490 B.C.E.)

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A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step – Proverb Meaning and Expansion of idea

The proverb ‘a journey of thousand miles begins with a single step’ means that big achievements are made through small but concrete resolves. Dreams and life goals are achieved by making a path plan and taking the first step towards it. The first step is most important because you may have big plans, but they will not materialize if you don’t take that first step. Therefore, it is true that a journey that might last for a thousand steps actually begins with a single step.

Expansion of idea

The proverb ‘a journey of thousand miles begins with a small step’ means that a long journey starts by taking a very small step towards the destination. The proverb signifies the first step as it indicates that the journey, howsoever, long, has already begun.

On the contrary, if the first step is not taken then the journey will remain only a dream and will never be realized. However long the journey is, it only materializes with the first step you take, that indicates your resolve.

The ‘journey’ here doesn’t specifically mean a journey or distance covered between two points, but also something as meaningful as a journey of life. To put it in simple words – If you have a dream and you want it to come true then you must chart out a plan and take that very important first step!

Short Stories on ‘A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step’

Stories are the best way to understand the true morale of a proverb. Here I am giving below a couple of stories on the theme ‘a journey of a thousand miles begins with a small step’.

Short Story 1

Once there lived a famous King who was respected and loved by his subjects. The king had a large stable with many beautiful horses, but there was one exceptionally beautiful horse named ‘Wind’. He was tan, tall and the most handsome horse in the whole kingdom, but there was a problem. Wind was very stubborn and wouldn’t act on anyone’s command, not even the King’s. King had a long-cherished dream of touring hundreds of miles on the back of ‘Wind’ and exploring his kingdom with him. But, wind wouldn’t allow anyone on his back for long.

The King sought the help of a famous horse trainer from another kingdom. The trainer was so good in his job that people called him the magician of horses. The trainer came and looked at wind, the horse. He looked beautiful the most beautiful horse he had ever seen. But as soon as he tried to hop on its back, the horse started rearing aggressively, sending the trainer to the ground.

The trainer asked King’s permission to walk the horse just a couple of steps every day; although confused the King consented. Within a month the horse was trained and would gladly allow King to ride on his back. King was surprised by the development and asked the trainer, how he achieved it. The trainer replied – “Dear King, the journey that you want to go on with this beautiful horse of yours began with that every step the horse took a month back. That day I knew that if he has allowed me to ride even for a single step it will ultimately also allow you to ride for miles. After all, a journey of thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Short Story 2

Once there lived a boy who was not very good in studies but he had big dreams. He wanted to do something in life but was always fearful and hesitant. He would fear the consequences and outcomes and kill his dreams every day. He was exceptionally good in painting but would fear to talk about it. He wanted to pursue it as a career option but was afraid to ask his father for the same.

His mother knew about her son’s dream and asked him to talk to his father openly about it. She told him that unless he asks his father to send him to some professional drawing class, the answer would always be ‘no’. He has to ask first to make things work out for him.

However, the boy gathered courage and asked his father to send him to a special drawing class. The father first gazed in surprise then allowed the boy to join a class. The boy was elated that day. Years after that incident the boy successfully runs an exhibition of his own paintings.

When he looks back, he feels glad that he took that first step of asking his father that would embark him on a journey of his dreams. If he hadn’t taken that first step, things would have been pretty different today. Indeed it is true that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, the man thought to himself.

Examples are the best way to understand the true meaning of a proverb. I am giving below some fresh examples based on the proverb ‘a journey of thousand miles begins with a small step’ that will let you better understand the proverb.

“The famous 240 miles Dandi March by Gandhi Ji was first started at his Ashram at Sabarmati, by taking the first step towards the coastal village of Dandi. True that a journey of thousand miles begins with a small step.”

“When I started the business, I had only one small outlet but today I own a chain of restaurants in the city, proving that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a small step.”

“The officer told the commissioned soldiers – you have already taken the first step towards a lifelong glory and courage. Indeed a journey of thousand miles begins with a single step.”

“The teacher told the students – even if you don’t want to study, just try to sit with a book and read it. Such small yet significant steps may decide your future. As you all know that a journey of thousand miles begins with a single step.”

“I remember a motivational speaker told me once – ‘the first step that you take towards your dream or journey is the most important, as it indicates you resolve towards the goal or destination’, therefore it is true that a journey of thousand miles begins with a single step.”

The proverb ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’ originated in China during the 6th century. A phrase similar appears in a Chinese religious text ‘Tao Te Ching’ composed by saint Laozi. The original text reads – “A journey of a thousand li, starts beneath one’s feet.” ‘Li’ in Chinese means mile.

Therefore, the proverb means that a journey of thousand miles starts beneath one’s feet which refer to the first step.

Since then the proverb has been transformed into different languages by sages, saints, and others. Today, it popularly used by motivational speakers across the globe.

The importance of the proverb ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a small step’ teaches us that if we want to realize our dreams then we must not be hesitant towards making our initial moves. We should be fearless in taking the first step.

It also teaches us that howsoever, big the distance might seem or the dreams may be just too big to realize, but we should not be discouraged by these facts, rather should firmly begin the journey, confiding in our own abilities. Bottom line is that the journey could be a thousand miles long but it sure will be finished one day if you take the first step with determination and confidence.

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• Evid Based Spine Care J
• v.1(1); 2010 May

“The journey of a thousand miles…”

Jens Chapman

One common translation of the remainder of this famous ancient quote by Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu, is that the journey “starts with a single step.”

It is with this insight that I would like to introduce you to the Evidence-Based Spine-Care Journal (EBSJ), a new scientific journal organized through AOSpine International, the largest multispecialty, truly global spine society. Of course, a reasonable first question to ask is “Why another spine journal?” A brief review of where we came from and where we are intending to head may provide insight as well as reveal its purpose.

AO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen)—the venerable and unique surgical organization—recently celebrated its 50th year. The simple yet profound concept of this organization was based on four principles, which later became known as the AO's “four pillars of cooperation”:

• Documentation of all patients
• Development of instrumentation and implants (which has been cutting edge!)
• Teaching (which is still unsurpassed)

Since its inception, the AO has espoused many of the primary principles of evidence-based medicine (EBM) before it was formally described. AO values and activities have encouraged evaluation of results, critical appraisal to provide context for drawing inferences and using these as a basis for directing future basic and clinical research. This integrated and ever-evolving process sets the stage for the AO community to be an active player in EBM.

Within the spine-care community we have remained faithful to the core values, yet have found it frequently difficult to offer highest quality source materials for our hundreds of annual spine courses around the world. This has made it challenging to teach using an evidence-based approach versus relying mainly on opinion-based resources.

With this inaugural issue, EBSJ is the first step toward assisting the global community of spine-care professionals with finding, describing and developing the highest quality evidence in its very own, unique format. In doing so, EBSJ expands on the first step that was EBSS (Evidence-Based Spine Surgery).

Behind the substitution of one consonant within the title change from EBSS to the new EBSJ are a number of rather substantial changes:

• Its community-centric approach: EBSJ's format and publication model will make it much easier for members of the international community to contribute. With this approach, EBSJ will be a better vehicle for uniting AOSpine surgeons and other providers from around the world.
• A more efficient production model: Combined with eventual MEDLINE® indexing, this model will allow for broader dissemination and stronger impact across disciplines.
• A directive to enhance the quality of evidence in spine care: With our evidence-based focus, presentation and distribution, we can expand upon the overall quality of evidence in the field.

This inaugural issue of EBSJ includes research submissions from the first Global Spine Conference held last June in San Francisco. This is an excellent start to establishing EBSJ's commitment to the international community, while featuring some interesting topics and novel approaches to treatment of spine-related problems.

These lofty goals set forth a literal “journey of (more than) a thousand miles,” with meetings and gatherings around the world from a group of dedicated individuals who have committed themselves to the concept of a truly novel and hopefully very worthwhile spine journal that surpasses the scope of existing journals.

Another possible translation of the Chinese proverb is that the journey “…begins beneath one's feet.” This is perhaps a reference to beginning where one is and knowing where one wants to go from there. Applied to our current situation, we would like to explore in unprecedented depth the current status of the evidence on any given spine topic, thus allowing us to consider how to improve its quality. We may not like the quality of the current evidence, but we can significantly enhance it by setting on a clear path of many steps and many feet, geared towards providing meaningful and clinically relevant evidence for spine care.

To set us in motion for this journey, regular features of EBSJ will include:

• Systematic reviews on timely and sometimes controversial topics. This allows us to see “where we are at” with regard to the evidence on those topics. We hope this stimulates discussion and encourages researchers to enhance the quality of evidence. It hopefully will also stimulate new interest in exploring certain topics under a new light.
• Original research reports. As a reporting requirement for EBSJ, studies must follow specific guidelines accounting for patients and follow-up based on reporting standards from CONSORT and others, detailing patient characteristics and reporting of methods based on the PICO or PPO concept. No other journal makes these specifications. To require these is a step toward enhanced credibility.
• Appraisal of original studies. We feature methodological reviews and Class of Evidence (CoE) appraisals of original studies by PhD-level researchers with expertise in clinical research and epidemiology. This provides authors and the spine community with insight into how to enhance the quality of future studies. It enhances understanding of how to perform and use research from an evidence-based perspective by including critique of important methodological components that can bias results. Future researchers can gain significant insight by considering these areas and planning studies which seek to decrease bias.
• Methodological assistance. We will offer an opportunity for assistance to authors with topics of importance to the global community who otherwise would not have access to methodological expertise or statistical analysis. This will broaden the chance for research-minded spine surgeons around the world to contribute in a meaningful fashion to the knowledge base of spine care.
• Brief educational pieces on how to effectively use and conduct research. These will facilitate an understanding of how to find, understand, create and report the highest quality research.
• An evidence-based case discussion. This will address the recurring issue of outliers in actual daily care in the face of ever-changing guidelines and evidence-based practice recommendations.

You will note that each of the studies in this inaugural issue has limitations; in fact, all studies have limitations. It is a well-honed academic practice to find fault and limitations in any research, especially clinical research. This applies even to recent multimillion dollar studies conceived by some of the brightest minds in medicine, public health, and epidemiology. Only by taking a step back and making constructive suggestions that improve the quality of studies and how they are reported, will we be able to enhance the credibility and quality of the evidence in spine care overall. Hence I am proud of the authors who were willing to stick their necks out and contribute to a brand new spine journal. By sharing their research in EBSJ, they are starting the process of systematically and profoundly changing the way we deliver spine care, by incorporating evidence into our practices in a clinically meaningful fashion. I very much respect and appreciate the authors who submitted to our first issue for taking the first actual steps in our journey.

As spine care professionals, our first priority is to provide our patients with the highest quality of care possible; this includes consideration of the very basic evidence that what we do is beneficial and acknowledging what the limitations may be. As teachers—whether through AOSpine courses, in our hospitals, or at our medical schools—we should increasingly rely on scientifically founded, evidence-based materials to replace the more subjective impression-based teaching contents of the past. Our literature must provide a higher quality of evidence so that we can practice and teach from an evidence-based perspective, including understanding where the evidence falls short.

Whether we like it or not, as healthcare systems around the world increasingly feel economic constraints, mounting pressure will be placed on our spine community to provide high quality evidence of efficacy, effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness to support funding and reimbursement decisions. This process can be a most painful one, especially if changes in customary health care delivery models are brought forth. Unfortunately, there are plenty of examples where the good name of “evidence” is employed for political decisions rather than using scientific publications as a starting point for discussion. The discussion should include objective review of the studies, always with an eye towards leaving room for human exceptions and with an understanding of the limitations of research to provide conclusive evidence for all situations. Our own literature must provide a consistently higher quality of evidence that effectively documents the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of what we do so that policy and decision makers have a clear picture of the strengths and limitations of what we do.

With EBSJ, we have an opportunity to move forward on the journey, a grand march, toward higher quality research and evidence in our field. I invite you as a reader, author or reviewer to join in our mission of setting the stage for evidence-based practice and influencing the future of spine surgery. Simply go to the EBSJ tab on the AOSpine website to learn more about this exciting resource. We hope you will become engaged in and join our “journey of a thousand miles.”

Welcome to the inaugural issue of EBSJ!

How Far Did Frodo & Sam Walk in The Lord of the Rings?

• J. R. R. Tolkien had a great attention to detail in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which allows fans to actually track the distances that the Fellowship, especially Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee, traveled.
• Frodo and Sam traveled over a thousand miles from the Shire to Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, over multiple landscapes and terrains.
• Thanks to Tolkien's world-building, fans also know that Frodo and Sam's journey took a much shorter time than many people might assume due to the great distance.

Frodo and Sam's journey across Middle-earth is a long and physically exhausting trek over some dangerous territory. And part of what makes their adventure so compelling is the simplicity of it, as their goal is to make it from one point to another before Sauron's power grows too strong, all while avoiding detection. This walk takes many grueling months for the two Hobbits to complete, and the total distance they walk throughout The Lord of the Rings is equally impressive. Through craggy rocks, flat marshes, caves of giant spiders and the slopes of Mount Doom, Frodo and Sam walk along hundreds of miles. And this is all while they try to avoid armies of Orcs and Sauron's legions spreading across Middle-earth. Then, of course, there's the most difficult task of all -- carrying the One Ring . It may appear like a light trinket, but what it houses is a painful burden for even the strongest minds.

Author J.R.R. Tolkien had a strong eye for detail, and took care to work out many of the logistical necessities of Frodo's journey, such how far he would have to go and how many days he would have to do it. Thanks to information in the Appendices of his celebrated trilogy, as well as a map provided in most printings of the text, it's possible to chart the exact time and distance traveled in each stage of Frodo's journey.

Updated on March 22, 2024 by Robert Vaux: The wonderful maps from Tolkien's various published works let readers see exactly where the protagonists travel in Middle-earth. That in turn helps better paint the picture of a huge fantasy world -- full of its own kingdoms, landmarks and history -- and bring epic events such as the War of the Ring to life. The article has been expanded to include new details on Frodo and Sam's journey in terms of distance traveled. It has also been updated to match CBR's current style guidelines.

How Fans Can Measure Distance in The Lord of the Rings

The lord of the rings: merry and pippin's best quotes.

Tolkien was a famous nature lover who disdained modern conveniences, and his proclivities are reflected in the text of The Lord of the Rings. The Hobbits, for instance, are portrayed as quiet farmers and country gentry, while Elves exist in harmony with the natural world around them. On a subtler level, both of his major narratives -- The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings -- are essentially long walks: the former from Bag End to the Lonely Mountain, the latter from Bag End to Mount Doom. The prospect gave the author ample opportunity to explore the countryside of Middle-earth, and the novels are filled with lush descriptions of the trees, hills, valleys, and underground caverns of the Hobbits' journeys.

That came with a huge amount of detail, as Tolkien built up the world of Middle-earth itself as part of his writing. Most importantly, his son Christopher created a map of Middle-earth in 1953, as his father was preparing to publish The Lord of the Rings for the first time. Tolkien referred to it in his notes as "the general map," and versions of it have been included in every edition of Th e Lord of the Rings published since. Most helpfully, it includes a scale in miles, which lets readers chart just how much walking Frodo and the various members of the Fellowship did, as well as Bilbo's journey to The Lonely Mountain and back again. Dedicated runners and outdoor enthusiasts can even attempt to walk the same distance in a given amount of time. It's one more example of just how thorough Tolkien was with his world-building, and how well Middle-earth has endured accordingly. It also makes the question relatively easy to answer.

How Many Miles Frodo and Sam Travel in The Lord of the Rings

The distance between the village of Hobbiton and the village of Bree is 120 miles. With these two points marked on Middle-earth's map, it's possible to gauge the distance the Fellowship traveled throughout the trilogy. So, with their first destination being Rivendell, it's estimated that the Hobbits traveled 420 miles starting from the Shire. They take about a month to cover that distance, which is quite impressive considering it takes place entirely on foot.

Rivendell is where the Fellowship is formed, and the journey properly begins. After about two months' of rest, the Fellowship sets out, and together, the group travels roughly 475 miles until Boromir dies and they separate for good. During this time, they travel over mountains and through Dwarven ruins, as well as another rest stop in the Elven stronghold of Lothlorien for about a month. Using boats after visiting Lady Galadriel helped with some of that: covering about 300 miles by the map much faster than they could normally march. From that point, Frodo and Sam walk 340 miles to Mount Doom, and the final total of their journey is estimated to be approximately 1235 miles.

Frodo set out from Bag End in late September, and it's known the One Ring is finally destroyed on March 25. So, over this six-month period, they traveled almost 1300 miles, which averaged around seven miles per day. However, it was far from a consistent journey, as the Fellowship spent almost two months resting in Rivendell and later spent nearly a month with the Elves of Lothlorian . So, the traveling time was around three months, which averaged a little less than 14 miles walked per day. Even with a boat taking them some of the way, this was an impressive feat for such small Hobbits, let alone ones that were trying to hide from Sauron . And including the times they were slowed down -- climbing through mountains, traversing dangerous swamps, and battling the spider Shelob -- shows how persistent the two Hobbits really were.

How Long Frodo and Sam's Journey Took in The Lord of the Rings

How did gandalf and saruman age in the lord of the rings.

Even moreso, the care with which Tolkien assembled his timeline lends quiet insight into the pacing of the narrative. Early in their journey, the Hobbits maintain a brisk pace: sticking to roads and fields. That's accentuated by Frodo's flight to the Ford of Rivendell to end the first part of their quest. Once the Fellowship is formed, the pace slows again, which can be explained away by camping in the wilderness. Time and energy need to be set aside to make and break camp, as well as activities like hunting to secure food. Once the Fellowship breaks, Sam and Frodo maintain a blistering pace for a little more than a week: first attempting to enter Mordor by the Black Gate, then traveling south to Minas Morgul, where they climb the Stairs of Cirtih Ungol and have their battle with Shelob. Presumably, the Hobbits are marching from dawn until dusk at this stage: rarely bothering to set camp or start a fire, and relying largely on Elven lembas bread to keep moving. Finally, the quest ends in an agonizingly slow march through Mordor itself. Both the text and Peter Jackson's film adaptation have the Hobbits literally crawling on their hands and knees towards Mount Doom at one point.

The apt reflection of the drama in Tolkien's timetable shows how much thought he put into the quest of the Ring, and the way he established a clear, plausible timetable for his protagonists to actually be able to make the journey he was sending them on. While Frodo and Sam's quest was already impressive enough, the short time it took them to complete it makes it all the more special. They travel through so many different landscapes that it can be easy to assume the journey takes a year or even longer. But for them to walk across Middle-earth in half that time shows why they were the perfect people for the task:

The Lord of the Rings trilogy is currently streaming on Max.

The Lord of the Rings

The Lord of the Rings is a series of epic fantasy adventure films and television series based on J. R. R. Tolkien's novels. The films follow the adventures of humans, elves, dwarves, hobbits and more in Middle-earth.

Created by J.R.R. Tolkien

First Film The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring

Latest Film The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Upcoming Films The Lord of The Rings: The War of The Rohirrim

First TV Show The Lord of the Rings The Rings of Power

Latest TV Show The Lord of the Rings The Rings of Power

First Episode Air Date September 1, 2022

Cast Charlie Vickers, Liv Tyler, Hugo Weaving, Sean Astin, Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Sean Bean, Andy Serkis, Richard Armitage, Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Morfydd Clark, Billy Boyd, Orlando Bloom, Viggo Mortensen, Miranda Otto, John Rhys-Davies, Dominic Monaghan

Character(s) Sauron, Gollum

Video Game(s) The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of The Rings: Battle For Middle-Earth 2, The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age, The Lord Of The Rings: Battle For Middle-Earth, LEGO Lord of the Rings , Lord of the Rings Online, The Lord Of The Rings: Gollum, The Lord of the Rings: War in the North

Genre Action-Adventure, Fantasy

Where to Stream Max, Hulu, Prime Video