The reason why rivers and seas can become kings among all valleys is because they are good at being below them; thus, they can be the king of all valleys. The rivers and seas, by their humility, cause all streams to flow toward them, just as people gather around a king. By being humble and lowly, they are thus able to be the kings of all valleys. Therefore, if one wants to lead the people, one desires to be above the people. one must first humble oneself before them; Follow the example of rivers and seas in being humble. if one wants to take precedence over the people, one desires to stand before the people. one must necessarily place oneself behind them. Putting others before oneself. Therefore, a sage who is in a superior position but the people do not feel burdened. A sage being above the people as their leader does not oppress those below with his dignity and nobility; therefore, the people revere him without feeling oppressed. Being in front but the people do not suffer harm. A sage being before the people does not use his brilliance to overshadow those behind; the people love him as a parent, with no desire to harm him. Therefore, all under heaven are willing to support and never tire of him. A sage's kindness is deep and his love is thick; he regards the people as his own children. Therefore, all under heaven are happy to support him as their leader, with none tiring of it. Because he does not contend, the reason the people under heaven never tire of a sage is because the sage does not compete with others for precedence. Therefore, no one in all the world can contend with him. Meaning that everyone else is active and striving; there is none who will contend with me for non-action. ---