Chapter 66

The reason rivers and seas can receive the tribute of all the valley streams is that they are skilled at staying below them—this is why they are king over them all. In the same way, the sage who wishes to be above people places himself below them in his speech, and wishing to lead them, puts himself behind them.

In this way, though his place is above them, people do not feel his weight; though his place is in front of them, they do not feel it as a harm.

So everyone in the world delights in honoring him and never tires of him. Because he does not contend, no one in the world can contend with him.