A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step — every great undertaking has a small beginning, and the fear of the total distance should not prevent one from taking the first step. The proverb encourages action over paralysis.
Although this wisdom is most famously attributed to the Chinese philosopher Laozi (Tao Te Ching, chapter 64), the Italian version became fully naturalised in Italian popular speech, particularly from the 16th century onward as Italy was deeply engaged with long-distance trade, exploration, and pilgrimage. The proverb resonated powerfully in a culture where the pilgrimage to Rome, to Santiago de Compostela, or to Jerusalem was a real physical undertaking that thousands of ordinary people attempted every year — often on foot, over months. The first step out of one's home village was genuinely momentous, and the proverb helped people summon the courage to make it. It was also adopted by the Italian merchant tradition, which recognised that all great commercial ventures began with a single small transaction or a single journey, and that the habit of beginning was as important as any plan. In the 20th and 21st centuries the proverb became associated with self-help, entrepreneurship, and motivational culture, losing none of its force. It is now one of the most commonly quoted proverbs by Italian business writers and coaches.
Attributed to Laozi's Tao Te Ching (6th century BC) but fully naturalised in Italian popular tradition through pilgrimage and merchant culture.
Encouraging a friend who is paralysed by a big project
Non pensare a tutto il lavoro che c'è da fare. Un viaggio di mille miglia comincia con un passo — inizia oggi, anche con una cosa piccola.
Do not think about all the work there is to do. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step — start today, even with something small.
A speech at a company launch
Oggi apriamo questa azienda con dieci clienti e tre dipendenti. Un viaggio di mille miglia comincia con un passo — e questo è il nostro.
Today we open this company with ten clients and three employees. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step — and this is ours.
A teacher motivating students before a long research project
La tesi sembra un'impresa impossibile adesso. Ma un viaggio di mille miglia comincia con un passo. Scrivete la prima pagina questa settimana.
The thesis seems like an impossible undertaking now. But a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Write the first page this week.
A man who decided to walk across Italy
Tutti mi chiedevano come facessi a non spaventarmi. Un viaggio di mille miglia comincia con un passo. Ho pensato solo al passo successivo.
Everyone asked me how I managed not to be scared. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. I only thought about the next step.