Governing a large country is like frying a small fish.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Governing a large country is like frying a small fish; too much handling ruins it.
- In plain terms
- Ruling a big nation requires gentle, minimal intervention.
- What can you take from it?
- Govern with light touch to avoid damaging the system.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is hands‑off leadership effective?
- What risks arise from too little intervention?
Another view
The analogy may oversimplify complex governance needs.
More from Lao Tzu
The mark of a moderate man is freedom from his own ideas. Tolerant like the sky, all-pervading like sunlight, firm like a mountain, supple like a tree in the w…
Permalink to quote #17 Wise men don't need to prove their point; men who need to prove their point aren't wise. The Master has no possessions. The more he does for others, the happie…
Permalink to quote #19 The more laws and order are made prominent, the more thieves and robbers there will be.
Permalink to quote #16
Related quotes
The glory of the king of all the kings. You with the golden power on your brows, You kings, I think you know not what you are. First you shall learn yourselves…
Lascelles AbercrombieLascelles Abercrombie quote #1 No problem exists between the army and the president and it is not necessary to create one artificially.
Andranik MargaryanAndranik Margaryan quote #1 The politicians pontificate and manoeuvre with eloquent manifestos and pronouncements saying little about the challenges we must confront.
Ratu Joni MadraiwiwiRatu Joni Madraiwiwi quote #1