The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones

Meaning: Great accomplishments are only possible through gradual, persistent small efforts.

Origin: Chinese proverb attributed to Confucius, reflecting Confucian emphasis on steady self-cultivation.

Translations

• French: L'homme qui déplace une montagne commence par emporter de petites pierres (literally: The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying small stones)
• Spanish: El hombre que mueve una montaña empieza llevando pequeñas piedras (literally: The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying small stones)
• Japanese: 山を動かす者は小石を運ぶことから始める (Yama wo ugokasu mono wa koishi wo hakobu koto kara hajimeru) (literally: He who moves a mountain begins by carrying small stones)

More proverbs about Perseverance

• It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop — Progress at any pace is still progress; what matters is persisting, not speed.
• Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance — Long-term persistence is more powerful than raw ability or brute force.
• You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great — Greatness is not a prerequisite for beginning; beginning is the path to greatness.
• He who limps is still walking — Even imperfect progress is still progress; do not let imperfection stop you.
• Stars cannot shine without darkness — Hardship and struggle are what allow our greatest qualities to become visible.
• Even the tallest tower began with a single brick — Every great achievement starts with one humble first step.

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