The Power of Being Low
Like rivers that rule by staying low, the sage leads through humility and quiet support. By placing himself behind others and not competing, he earns lasting respect and natural authority.
Why are rivers and seas kings of the valleys?
Because they stay low—
they lie beneath,
and so all streams flow to them.
In the same way,
the sage stays beneath the people.
He speaks humbly,
stands behind,
and leads without pressing forward.
He rises without burdening,
guides without boasting.
People lift him up
and never tire of him—
because he never competes,
no one competes with him.
