66 江海所以能為百谷王者

老子道德經第六十六章

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

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SIXTY-SIX (Feng)

Why is the sea king of a hundred streams?
Because it lies below them.
Therefore it is the king of a hundred streams.

If the sage would guide the people, he must serve with humility.
If he would lead them, he must follow behind.
In this way when the sage rules, the people will not feel oppressed;
When he stands before them, they will not be harmed.
The whole world will support him and will not tire of him.

Because he does not compete,
He does not meet competition.

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66

The sea is the king of all streams,
It's because it lies below.
He who manages others must speak humbly;
He who guides others must put himself behind.

Therefore the wise one stays above others,
Yet no one sees his shadow;
He stands in front of them,
Yet no one feels any hindrance.

He is friends with everyone, and admired by all.
He never competes,
So he has no competition in the world.