Tao Te Ching, Chapter 11

Translation

11. The thirty spokes unite in the one nave; but it is on the empty space (for the axle), that the use of the wheel depends. Clay is fashioned into vessels; but it is on their empty hollowness, that their use depends. The door and windows are cut out (from the walls) to form an apartment; but it is on the empty space (within), that its use depends. Therefore, what has a (positive) existence serves for profitable adaptation, and what has not that for (actual) usefulness.

Practical Reading

Empty space enables function. The wheel needs space for the axle. Buildings need empty interiors to be usable. In organizations, leaving room for innovation and adaptation creates capacity. Over-specification kills flexibility.