Chapter 78

Humility

There is nothing in the world more soft and weak than water, and yet for attacking things that are firm and strong there is nothing that can take precedence of it;--for there is nothing (so effectual) for which it can be changed. Every one in the world knows that the soft overcomes the hard, and the weak the strong, but no one is able to carry it out in practice. Therefore a sage has said, 'He who accepts his state's reproach, Is hailed therefore its altars' lord; To him who bears men's direful woes They all the name of King accord.' Words that are strictly true seem to be paradoxical.

Commentary

TRUST IN FAITH. 1. In the world nothing is tenderer and more delicate than water. In attacking the hard and the strong nothing will surpass it. There is nothing that herein takes its place. 2. The weak conquer the strong, the tender conquer the rigid. In the world there is no one who does not know it, but no one will practise it. 3. Therefore the holy man says: "Him who the country's sin makes his, We hail as priest at the great sacrifice. Him who the curse bears of the country's failing. As king of the empire ...

Sources: Paul Carus (1913) - Chapter heading; Paul Carus (1913) - Canon of Reason and Virtue