One beam, no matter how big, cannot support an entire house on its own.
About this quote
A standout line from Chinese Proverb, this quote distills a lesson about wisdom into 14 unforgettable words. It has resonated with readers for generations — the sort of wisdom worth writing on a wall, and one of the 1,000 most powerful motivational quotes we’ve gathered.
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Frequently asked
Who said “One beam, no matter how big, cannot supp…”?
This quote is attributed to Chinese Proverb.
What is the meaning of this quote?
At its heart, this line speaks to wisdom — reminding us that lasting progress comes from intention, effort and perspective. Chinese Proverb captures that idea in just 14 words.
What theme does this quote belong to?
It falls under the theme of Wisdom in the Top 1000 collection.
Why is this quote motivational?
Short, memorable and rooted in real experience, it's the kind of line you can return to whenever you need a push toward wisdom.
More from Chinese Proverb
Discover the life, work and other memorable words of Chinese Proverb.
Read about Chinese ProverbOpens the official source in a new tab.