The initial action can determine the outcome of the whole, hence the Sage is careful with the beginning. This can be seen in the fields of daily life, government, and military affairs.
Undertake no action, perform no service, taste what is tasteless.
Magnify the small, multiply the few, reply to injury with virtue.
Plan what is difficult while it is yet easy;
Undertake what is great while it is yet small.
Tasks that are difficult in the world [are sure to] begin from what is easy;
Tasks that are great in the world [are sure to] begin from what is small.
For this reason,
The Sage never undertakes what is great, therefore he can accomplish great things.*
One who promises lightly is sure to be little trustworthy;
Treating many things as easy is sure to lead to many difficulties.
For this reason,
The Sage treats things as difficult, therefore he never has any difficulties.