Deep Quotes
Water is the softest thing, yet it can penetrate mountains and earth. This shows clearly the principle of softness overcoming hardness.
"Water is the softest thing, yet it can penetrate mountains and earth. This shows clearly the principle of softness overcoming hardness."— Lao Tzu
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Meaning of this quote
Water illustrates how something yielding can gradually affect something resistant. The image encourages persistence and adaptability without proving that softness is the right response to every conflict.
Key takeaway:
Consider patient, flexible approaches to a resistant problem.
Origin of the quote
Related to Tao Te Ching water imagery, especially Chapters 43 and 78; this exact English formulation was not located in an identified edition.
Who actually said this?
Commonly attributedThe cited entry gives no translator or chapter. A thematic resemblance to the traditional text does not establish the exact wording as a translation.
