Chapter 8

Humility

1. The highest excellence is like (that of) water. The excellence of water appears in its benefiting all things, and in its occupying, without striving (to the contrary), the low place which all men dislike. Hence (its way) is near to (that of) the Tao.

Commentary

Source: Editorial Summary

Water serves as the supreme metaphor fo r the Tao. It flows to the lowest places, yields to all obstacles, yet gradually wears away the hardest stone. True strength lies in humility and flexibility.

Philosophical Insight

Source: Paul Carus (1913) - Canon of Reason and Virtue

1. Superior goodness resembleth water. The water's goodness benefiteth the ten thousand things, yet it quarreleth not. p. 78 2. Water dwelleth in the places which the multitudes of men shun; therefore it is near unto the eternal Reason 3. The dwelling of goodness is in lowliness. The heart of goodness is in commotion. When giving, goodness showeth benevolence. In words, goodness keepeth faith. In government goodness standeth for order. In business goodness exhibiteth ability. The movements of go...