Chapters 38-81: 德經 (Virtue)

Table of Contents

• Chapter 66: 江海章 — Rivers and oceans

Chapter 66: 江海章 — Rivers and oceans

• 江海所以能為百谷王者，以其善下之，故能為百谷王。
• 是以欲上民，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 are the kings of valleys, because they are masters at assuming lowly positions.

• Therefore, for a saint (sage) to be superior to the people, he must call himself inferior;
• To be in front the people, he must place himself behind them. (To lead, he must follow.)
• Thus, although the saint (sage) is positioned above, the people are not burdened;
• Although he is positioned in front, the people are not threatened.

• Therefore, the world supports him without objection.
• He does not contend, so he is above all competition.