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"The big states lie on the lower reaches of the rivers, These are places for the female of the world, Places where the world converges. The female invariably overcomes the male by being still, And in stillness she takes the lower position. So if a big state stays below a small state, It wins over the small state. If a small state stays below a big state, It wins over the big state. Whether they stay below in order to win, Or whether they stay below and win, All the big state wants is to incorporate the other; All the small state wants is to partner with the other. Since both can get what they want, It is better for the bigger state to take the lower position."