Governing a Large County is like Steaming Small Fish
Laozi's famous quote from the Daodejing (Chapter 60), "Governing a large country is like steaming small fish" (治大国若烹小鲜), is a profound observation on leadership and administration. The metaphor suggests that just as a small fish will fall apart if handled too much while cooking, excessive interference in governance leads to disorder. This reflects Daoist principles of effortless action (wu wei, 无为) and the importance of allowing natural systems to function with minimal coercion.
The Daodejing frequently contrasts rigid force with soft adaptability, arguing that excessive control disrupts harmony. Instead of heavy-handed rule, Laozi advocates a more subtle approach, where the ruler influences without dominating, guiding without force. Just as a cook steaming a delicate fish applies gentle heat and avoids excessive stirring, a wise ruler should govern with restraint, allowing the natural structure of society to maintain order. This idea has echoed through history, often illustrated by leaders who ignored it and suffered the consequences.
One striking example is the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE), China's first imperial dynasty. Qin Shi Huang unified the country through an aggressive, centralized system based on Legalist principles. His rule imposed strict laws, heavy taxation, forced labor, and suppression of intellectual freedom, including the infamous burning of books and execution of scholars. While these measures initially established strong control, they ultimately led to widespread resentment. After his death, the Qin state unraveled, plagued by revolts and civil unrest, giving way to the Han Dynasty. The over-handling of governance, much like meddling with a steaming fish, caused the very instability the emperor sought to prevent.
A Western example can be found in the reign of Louis XIV of France (1643–1715). Known as the "Sun King," Louis XIV centralized power to an unprecedented degree, stripping the nobility of influence and controlling every aspect of governance from his palace at Versailles. His extravagant spending on wars and the construction of Versailles placed enormous strain on France's economy. Though his rule projected strength and order, the rigid, overbearing system he built left France vulnerable. By the late 18th century, his successors inherited a fragile state burdened by debt and widespread discontent, which exploded in the French Revolution (1789). The heavy-handed governance, like excessive stirring of a small fish, ultimately led to the collapse of the very system it was meant to sustain.
This principle extends beyond governance to leadership in any domain—whether managing a team, running a business, or even parenting. Over-regulation, excessive rules, and constant interference often stifle creativity, autonomy, and natural order. In contrast, a leader who trusts the system, guiding it with minimal but effective intervention, tends to see better results. Laozi's wisdom remains timeless, reminding us that sometimes, the best way to lead is not through force, but through balance, trust, and patience.
—Qi Journal 2025
