The sea of Tao embraces all rivers

The reason rivers and seas can be the place where countless streams gather is that they are good at staying low. That is why they can be the king of all rivers.

So if the sage wants to be above the people, he must speak to them with humility. If he wants to lead them, he must put himself behind them.

Thus when he is above, the people do not feel burdened. When he is ahead, the people do not feel hindered. The whole world gladly supports him and never grows tired of him.

Because he does not compete, no one in the world can compete with him.