"یک کشور را همان‌گونه که یک ماهی کوچک را می‌پزی، حکومت کن. زیاده‌روی نکن."

The essence of this quote is about the importance of restraint and subtlety in leadership. Imagine cooking a delicate fish—if you use too much heat or handle it too roughly, you ruin it. The same goes for governing a country. Too much interference or heavy-handed tactics can cause more harm than good. It's about finding that balance, knowing when to step back, and allowing things to unfold naturally.

This saying comes from Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese philosopher and writer. He’s considered the father of Taoism, a philosophy that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao—an underlying natural order of the universe. Lao Tzu lived during a time of great turmoil in China, around the 6th century BCE, a period marked by constant warfare among various states. So it's no surprise he advocated for a lighter touch in governance, probably as a reaction to the overbearing and aggressive rule he saw around him.

Let’s look at a real-world example. Think of Singapore under Lee Kuan Yew. When he became the prime minister, Singapore was a struggling, newly independent city-state. Lee understood that while strong leadership was necessary, it was crucial not to micromanage every aspect of the country. His government implemented strict laws to maintain order, but also knew when to step back and let the market economy thrive. They built a robust framework for education and public housing, then allowed the people to utilize these resources to their fullest potential. The result? Singapore transformed from a third-world country into one of the world's most prosperous nations.

So how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? If you’re in a leadership position—whether at work, in your community, or even within your family—remember not to be too controlling. Trust your team, give them the tools they need, and then let them do their jobs. Micro-managing every detail can stifle creativity and initiative. Instead, provide guidance and support, but allow some freedom for people to grow and learn from their own experiences.

Imagine you’re a new manager at a tech startup. You’re eager to prove yourself, so you start monitoring every little detail—approving every email, dictating the exact wording of every report. Pretty soon, your team is frustrated and demoralized. They feel like they’re not trusted and creativity plummets. Now picture taking a step back. You set clear goals and provide the necessary resources. You check in regularly but give your team room to breathe and make decisions. Mistakes might happen, sure, but they become learning opportunities. Your team feels empowered, and motivation soars.

In essence, the best leaders are like good cooks—they know that sometimes, the best thing they can do is get out of the way and let the ingredients speak for themselves. So next time you’re tempted to overdo it, think of that small fish and remember the power of restraint.