Goodness is like water, and water is the goodness of all things, which is the virtue of modesty; Therefore, Jiang Hai can be the king of all the valleys, and if he is good at it, he can also be the king of all the valleys. The water in the world is not weak, and the strong can't win. This is a gentle virtue; Therefore, softness wins, and weakness wins. Because it has nothing, it can enter nothing, which shows that the teaching without words is also beneficial to inaction.
The Original Translation of "Good as Water"
The best people are like water. Water is good at nourishing everything without competing with it, staying in places that people don't like, so it is closest to the Tao. The best people are those who are best at choosing their place of residence, who are good at keeping calm and unfathomable, who are good at treating others sincerely, lovingly and selflessly, who are good at keeping their promises, who are good at streamlining administration, who are good at governing the country, who are good at exerting their strengths and who are good at seizing opportunities in action. The best people do what they do because they have indisputable virtues, so there is no fault or blame.
Origin of idioms
Lao Tzu pointed to the vast Yellow River and said to Kong Qiu, "Why don't you learn the virtue of water?" Kong Qiu said, "What is the virtue of water?" Laozi said: "Being good is like water: water is good for everything without contention, which is the virtue of humility;" Therefore, Jiang Hai can be the king of all the valleys, and if he is good at it, he can also be the king of all the valleys. If it is water, the world is soft and beautiful. Lv Xiaolian is weak in water, but gentle and virtuous in attack. Therefore, softness wins, and weakness wins. Because it has nothing, it can enter without trace, which shows that the teaching without words is also beneficial to inaction. "Kong Qiu suddenly realized:" Sir, this sentence made me suddenly enlightened: people are in water, and water is lonely; Everyone is easy, and water is alone; Everyone is clean, and water is alone. Who can contend with the evil people do? This is why it is good. " Lao Tzu nodded and said, "You can teach me!
You can remember: if you don't fight against the world, no one in the world can compete with it, which is to imitate Shuide. Water is more than Tao: Tao is everywhere, water has no disadvantages, avoid heights, never oppose, and be good at its place; Empty and quiet, unfathomable, good and deep; Losses are inexhaustible, efforts are unrequited, and kindness is also benevolent; You must rotate, you must fold, you must stop, you must flow, you must be kind and trustworthy; Wash the filth, smooth it out, and handle things well; There is a load floating, a clear reference, a strong attack, and a good use of energy; It's also good for you to stay up all night and fall behind.
Therefore, saints can do whatever they want, and saints should change because of things; Wise men govern by doing nothing, while great men live in harmony with the weather. After you come here, besides your desire for appearance, you should be arrogant in words. Otherwise, people have not heard it before, and the wind has not moved. Who dares to use you? Kong Qiu said, "Mr. Wang's words came from the heart and entered the disciple's heart and spleen. Disciples have benefited a lot and will never forget it. Disciples will be obedient and tirelessly grateful to the teacher for his kindness. " Say that finish, say goodbye to Lao tze, and reluctantly get on the bus and head for the Nangong.