--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Advise the ruler to govern the state as…" description: "\"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\" — Lao Tzu" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ec/lao-tzu-624_advice_advise-the-ruler-to-govern-the-state-as_213011.jpg" --- # Advise the ruler to govern the state as one cooks a small… ![“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” quote by Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ec/lao-tzu-624_advice_advise-the-ruler-to-govern-the-state-as_213011.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ec/lao-tzu-624_advice_advise-the-ruler-to-govern-the-state-as_213011.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ec/lao-tzu-624_advice_advise-the-ruler-to-govern-the-state-as_213011.jpg) > “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” [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Govern with minimal interference, allowing natural order to flourish without over‑handling. **In simple terms:** Rule gently, avoid over‑control. Key Takeaway Let things develop naturally. Themes governance patience non‑interference Mood calm reflective Type philosophical advisory When to use this quote - leadership - policy making - organizational management - parenting Key Concepts Taoism soft power balance Questions to Reflect On - How can you apply restraint in your leadership role? - When does gentle guidance become neglect? A Different Perspective Excessive control can stifle innovation and cause unintended damage. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Advice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/advice/) [Advise Ruler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/advise-ruler-2194497/) [Cooks Small](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cooks-small-2194498/) [Govern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/govern/) [Govern State](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/govern-state-2194496/) [Ruler Govern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ruler-govern-2194495/) [Small fish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/small-fish/) ## Related quotes > [“He who (tries to) govern a state by his wisdom is a scourge to it; while he who does not (try to) do so…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/he-who-tries-to-govern-a-state-by-his-wisdom-is-a-scourge-to-it-while/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish. Do not overdo it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/govern-a-great-nation-as-you-would-cook-a-small-fish-do-not-overdo-it/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [It is in Israel's interest not to govern the Palestinians but for the Palestinians to govern themselves in their own state.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ariel-sharon/it-is-in-israel-s-interest-not-to-govern-the-palestinians-but-for-the/) [Ariel Sharon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ariel-sharon/) > [Basically, if you have above-average intelligence, you have common sense and you can speak in front of a camera and to a crowd, you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerry-brown/basically-if-you-have-above-average-intelligence-you-have-common/) [Jerry Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerry-brown/) > [Woman, I tell you, is a microcosm; and rightly to rule her, requires as great talents as to govern a state.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-foote/woman-i-tell-you-is-a-microcosm-and-rightly-to-rule-her-requires-as/) [Samuel Foote](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-foote/) > [Every cook has to learn how to govern the state.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vladimir-lenin/every-cook-has-to-learn-how-to-govern-the-state/) [Vladimir Lenin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vladimir-lenin/) > [If you would govern a state of a thousand chariots (a small-to-middle-size state), you must pay strict attention to business, be true to your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/if-you-would-govern-a-state-of-a-thousand-chariots-a-small-to-middle/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [“If you want to govern the people, You must place yourself below them. If you want to lead people, You must learn how to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/if-you-want-to-govern-the-people-you-must-place-yourself-below-them/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [Until the middle of the nineteenth century, Biarritz was a community of whalers. During the Middle Ages, it had grown from a small fishing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carol-drinkwater/until-the-middle-of-the-nineteenth-century-biarritz-was-a-community/) [Carol Drinkwater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carol-drinkwater/) > [“Lesson number one: “Not my problem” is not a philosophy. It’s a mental illness. Right up there with pessimism. Other people’s problems are our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-weiner/lesson-number-one-not-my-problem-is-not-a-philosophy-it-s-a-mental/) [Eric Weiner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-weiner/) > [I prefer being a small fish in a big pond.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stacy-keibler/i-prefer-being-a-small-fish-in-a-big-pond/) [Stacy Keibler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stacy-keibler/) > [How curious that such an outsize man, in physique as well as personality, should be remembered today mainly for giving his name to a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-macmillan/how-curious-that-such-an-outsize-man-in-physique-as-well-as/) [Margaret MacMillan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-macmillan/) > [Big fish eat small fish with as much right as they have power.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/baruch-spinoza/big-fish-eat-small-fish-with-as-much-right-as-they-have-power/) [Baruch Spinoza](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/baruch-spinoza/) > [“Madness, like small fish, runs in hosts…”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/philip-k-dick/madness-like-small-fish-runs-in-hosts/) [Philip K. Dick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/philip-k-dick/) > [“He found himself grinning at her. His nervousness had disappeared, and suddenly he had a sense of his own size, his physical strength, his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-fast/he-found-himself-grinning-at-her-his-nervousness-had-disappeared-and/) [Howard Fast](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-fast/) ## More by Lao Tzu > [“This is how they are able to continue and endure.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/this-is-how-they-are-able-to-continue-and-endure/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“Gravity is the root of lightness;”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/gravity-is-the-root-of-lightness/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“Therefore the Tao is great;”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/therefore-the-tao-is-great/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“Not seeking, not expecting, she is present, and can welcome all things.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/not-seeking-not-expecting-she-is-present-and-can-welcome-all-things/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“What all men fear is indeed to be feared;”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/what-all-men-fear-is-indeed-to-be-feared/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“Just remain in the center; watching. And then forget that you are there.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/just-remain-in-the-center-watching-and-then-forget-that-you-are-there/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“This is what is called 'The mysterious Quality' (of the Tao).”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/this-is-what-is-called-the-mysterious-quality-of-the-tao/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“If you show yourself, you will not be seen. If you affirm yourself, you will not shine. If you boast, you will have no…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/if-you-show-yourself-you-will-not-be-seen-if-you-affirm-yourself-you/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“The thirty spokes unite in the one nave; but it is on the empty space (for the axle), that the use of the wheel…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/the-thirty-spokes-unite-in-the-one-nave-but-it-is-on-the-empty-space/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“To know and yet (think) we do not know is the highest (attainment); not to know (and yet think) we do know is a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/to-know-and-yet-think-we-do-not-know-is-the-highest-attainment-not-to/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent. He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/he-who-knows-other-men-is-discerning-he-who-knows-himself-is/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“If you are depressed, you are living in the past; if you are anxious, you are living in the present; if you are at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/if-you-are-depressed-you-are-living-in-the-past-if-you-are-anxious/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“Simplicity without a name Is free from all external aim. With no desire, at rest and still, All things go right as of their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/simplicity-without-a-name-is-free-from-all-external-aim-with-no/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“When gold and jade fill the hall, their possessor cannot keep them safe.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/when-gold-and-jade-fill-the-hall-their-possessor-cannot-keep-them-safe/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“We listen to it, and we do not hear it, and we name it 'the Inaudible.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/we-listen-to-it-and-we-do-not-hear-it-and-we-name-it-the-inaudible/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) [Explore all 434 Lao Tzu quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) ## More Advice quotes > [The sensible person is always serious about sensible advice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mak-786/the-sensible-person-is-always-serious-about-sensible-advice/) [Mak\_786](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mak-786/) > [I ask for tips, for advice. What I have also learnt is that I need to do things that are good for me. In…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matthijs-de-ligt/i-ask-for-tips-for-advice-what-i-have-also-learnt-is-that-i-need-to/) [Matthijs de Ligt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matthijs-de-ligt/) > [Don't get too attached to someone you know you can't be together with.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anurag-prakash-ray/don-t-get-too-attached-to-someone-you-know-you-can-t-be-together-with/) [Anurag Prakash Ray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anurag-prakash-ray/) > [A low-minded person should not be given good advice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chanakya/a-low-minded-person-should-not-be-given-good-advice/) [Chanakya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chanakya/) > [The worst advice? 'Don't listen to the critics.' I think that you really ought to listen to the critics, because sometimes they're telling you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-king/the-worst-advice-don-t-listen-to-the-critics-i-think-that-you-really/) [Stephen King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-king/) > [When I was in my twenties and just so sexually prolific, the first time I went to Machu Picchu, this guy, a spiritual teacher,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/woody-harrelson/when-i-was-in-my-twenties-and-just-so-sexually-prolific-the-first/) [Woody Harrelson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/woody-harrelson/) > [The best way to succeed in this world is to act on the advice you give to others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/the-best-way-to-succeed-in-this-world-is-to-act-on-the-advice-you/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) > [Time is priceless. You have it, but you don't own it. You spend it, but you can't keep it. And once it's gone, there's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/time-is-priceless-you-have-it-but-you-don-t-own-it-you-spend-it-but/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [You don't need to take a persons advice to make him feel good, just ask him for it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurence-j-peter/you-don-t-need-to-take-a-persons-advice-to-make-him-feel-good-just/) [Laurence J. Peter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurence-j-peter/) > [Some of the things that we hold onto the most, are the things that we need to let go of.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ryaj-ablando-catayas/some-of-the-things-that-we-hold-onto-the-most-are-the-things-that-we/) [Ryaj Ablando Catayas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ryaj-ablando-catayas/) > [“If your clothes are enough to drive would-be friends away, they're not the kind of friends you want." Typical mother advice. Sweet, honest, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aprilynne-pike/if-your-clothes-are-enough-to-drive-would-be-friends-away-they-re-not/) [Aprilynne Pike](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aprilynne-pike/) > [“My kingdom not for a horse, but for a good piece of advice!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mehmet-murat-ildan/my-kingdom-not-for-a-horse-but-for-a-good-piece-of-advice/) [Mehmet Murat ildan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mehmet-murat-ildan/) > [I always advise people not to act upon the advice that I give them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-parsai/i-always-advise-people-not-to-act-upon-the-advice-that-i-give-them/) [Vikrant Parsai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-parsai/) > [ \[A\]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air.… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dr-seuss/a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-fare-that-s-darned-good-advice/) [Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dr-seuss/) > [My relationship with Ibrahimovic was completely neutral. He is not the type of player to approach the younger players and give them advice. He…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kingsley-coman/my-relationship-with-ibrahimovic-was-completely-neutral-he-is-not-the/) [Kingsley Coman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kingsley-coman/) [Browse all 8,535 Advice quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/advice/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "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", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Lao Tzu" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/advise-the-ruler-to-govern-the-state-as-one-cooks-a-small-fish-that/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Advice" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/advise-the-ruler-to-govern-the-state-as-one-cooks-a-small-fish-that/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ec/lao-tzu-624_advice_advise-the-ruler-to-govern-the-state-as_213011.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ec/lao-tzu-624_advice_advise-the-ruler-to-govern-the-state-as_213011.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ec/lao-tzu-624_advice_advise-the-ruler-to-govern-the-state-as_213011.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Advise the ruler to govern the state as one cooks a small fish - that is, don't turn it so often in the pan…” — Lao Tzu", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Lao Tzu", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Advise the ruler to govern the...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/advise-the-ruler-to-govern-the-state-as-one-cooks-a-small-fish-that/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/advise-the-ruler-to-govern-the-state-as-one-cooks-a-small-fish-that/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```