江海所以能為百谷王者,以其善下之,故能為百谷王。
是以聖人欲上民,必以言下之;欲先民,必以身後之。
是以聖人處上而民不重,處前而民不害。
是以天下樂推而不厭。以其不爭,故天下莫能與之爭。
Rivers and oceans can be the kings of a hundred valleys
Because of their goodness in staying low
So they can be the kings of a hundred valleys
Thus if sages wish to be over people
They must speak humbly to them
If they wish to be in front of people
They must place themselves behind them
Thus the sages are positioned above
But the people do not feel burdened
They are positioned in front
But the people do not feel harmed
Thus the world is glad to push them forward without resentment
Because they do not contend
So the world cannot contend with them
(Translation by Derick Lin)
The great river has become the king of the valley because it has always been at its lowest place to accommodate hundreds of rivers. Therefore, if the sages of Tao are to lead the people, they must be low-key and humble to the people. If we want to unify the public, we must put our interests behind the interests of the masses. So saints living in the people above, people do not feel any pressure, standing in front of people, people do not feel harm.So the people are happy to hold him and not get bored.Because he never fought for his interests, no one could argue with him.
This is an entirely different concept from the conventional one. The people who seize power often by force and their tactics. On the other hand, the sages who have Tao are doing the exact opposite. They do not need to conquer anyone by doing anything. Instead, with their humbleness and selfless, they gain people’s support from their heart.