"حكم أمة كبيرة مثل طهي سمكة صغيرة كثرة التعامل معها يفسدها"

The heart of the quote is that over-managing and micromanaging can be detrimental, whether you're dealing with a large country or a small task. Just like a delicate fish can fall apart if you're too rough with it, a nation—or even a project—can suffer under excessive interference. Sometimes, less is more.

Let's go back in time to understand why this was said. This saying comes from Laozi, an ancient Chinese philosopher who lived around the 6th century BCE. He founded Taoism, which emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao (the Way). Laozi believed that natural order and simplicity were key to a balanced life and effective governance. He saw that overbearing leadership could lead to chaos and disorder, which would ultimately harm the people.

Imagine you've just started a new job. Your boss constantly hovers, checks your work every five minutes, and gives you step-by-step instructions for tasks you already know how to complete. It's exhausting, right? You might start feeling incompetent, frustrated, and disengaged. But when a manager trusts you, gives you room to work, and steps in only when necessary, you feel valued and motivated. That's the essence of this wisdom.

Take the example of New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's approach was firm yet flexible. She imposed strict lockdowns when necessary but trusted scientific advice and the citizens' ability to follow guidelines. She didn’t micromanage every aspect of people’s lives; she provided clear instructions and support. As a result, New Zealand managed the crisis effectively and maintained public trust.

Now, let's talk about how you can use this in your own life. If you’re in a leadership position, try to resist the urge to control every detail. Trust your team. Give them the freedom to make decisions and learn from their mistakes. This doesn’t mean you abandon your responsibilities—it means you strike a balance between guidance and autonomy. If you’re working on a personal project, don’t obsess over every tiny detail. Sometimes stepping back can give you a clearer perspective.

Picture this: You're organizing a big family reunion. You’ve got a thousand things on your to-do list. If you try to manage every single detail—what everyone should bring, where people should sit, how the games should be played—you'll end up stressed and overwhelmed. Plus, your family might feel smothered and less enthusiastic about participating. Instead, delegate tasks. Let your cousin handle the games, trust your aunt with the food, and allow your siblings to figure out the seating. By doing this, you're more likely to enjoy the process and the event itself, and everyone gets to contribute and feel involved.

In essence, whether you're governing a country, managing a team, or just trying to keep your life in order, remember that too much control can backfire. Trust, simplicity, and balance are key. Sometimes, you need to take a step back and let things unfold naturally.