66
"Rivers and seas can be kings of the hundred valleys, Because they are good at flowing downwards (hsia). Therefore they can be kings of the hundred valleys. Thus if you desire to be above the people, Your words must reach down (hsia) to them. If you desire to lead the people, Your person (shen, body) must be behind them. Thus the sage is above, Yet the people do not feel his weight. He stays in front, Yet the people do not suffer any harm. Thus all gladly praise him untiringly (pu yen). Because he does not contend with any, Therefore no one under heaven can contend with him."
Author
Lao TzuAll Translations
English
"Rivers and seas can be kings of the hundred valleys, Because they are good at flowing downwards (hsia). Therefore they can be kings of the hundred valleys. Thus if you desire to be above the people, Your words must reach down (hsia) to them. If you desire to lead the people, Your person (shen, body) must be behind them. Thus the sage is above, Yet the people do not feel his weight. He stays in front, Yet the people do not suffer any harm. Thus all gladly praise him untiringly (pu yen). Because he does not contend with any, Therefore no one under heaven can contend with him."