Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish. Do not overdo it.

Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish - too much handling will spoil it.

Advise the ruler to govern the state as one cooks a small fish - that is, don't turn it so often in the pan that it disintegrates

Great acts are made up of small deeds.

All difficult things have their origin in that which is easy, and great things in that which is small.

If we want a great nation, we have to change it ourselves.