This Chinese expression celebrates the power of collective effort over going at it alone.

While a single tree is unique and important, it still cannot add up to the impact of an entire forest.

At the same time, each tree is vital as a part of a greater whole, contributing to a larger tableau of beauty and strength.

Similarly, each individual has their own strengths and talents, but can only go so far on a solo journey. It is only through working with others that greatness can be achieved.

This saying first appeared in a text published in fifth century China about the Han Dynasty, titled Book of the Later Han.