Eternal as heaven and long-lasting as earth — Heaven and Earth have eternal life and longevity, and this is used to advise people. The reason Heaven and Earth can be so enduring is because they do not seek to sustain themselves; they remain tranquil, giving without seeking reward, unlike human dwellers who eagerly pursue their own selfish gains, taking from others for their own benefit. Because they do not seek to sustain themselves, they can achieve long life without end. Therefore, the sage puts himself last — placing others before oneself and oneself after others — and thus he becomes the leader; the world respects him and places him first. He puts himself aside, treating himself lightly and others generously, and thus his life is preserved. The people love him as a parent, and the gods protect him like an infant; therefore, he remains ever-present. Is it not because of his selflessness? The sage is loved by the people and protected by the gods — is this not due to his fairness and selflessness? Therefore, he can achieve his own true purpose. What people consider as self-interest is merely the desire to enrich oneself. The sage, though without selfishness, becomes enriched himself; this is the essence of what Laozi teaches about following the Dao — that by placing oneself last, one ultimately comes first.