Chapter 66

That whereby the rivers and seas are able to receive the homage

and tribute of all the valley streams, is their skill in being lower

than they;--it is thus that they are the kings of them all. So it is

that the sage (ruler), wishing to be above men, puts himself by his

words below them, and, wishing to be before them, places his person

behind them.

In this way though he has his place above them, men do not feel his

weight, nor though he has his place before them, do they feel it an

injury to them.

Therefore all in the world delight to exalt him and do not weary of

him. Because he does not strive, no one finds it possible to strive

with him.