The Best of Men is Like Water

The Best of men is like water;
Water benefits all things and does not compete with them.
It dwells in (the lowly) places that all disdain - Wherein it comes near to the Tao.

In his dwelling, (the Sage) loves the earth;
In his heart, he loves what is profound;
In his relations with others,
he loves kindness;
In his words, he loves sincerity;
In government, he loves peace;
In bussiness affairs, he loves choosing the right time.
It is because he dows not contend
That he is without reproach.

There is nothing weaker than water
But none is superior to it in overcoming the hard,
For which there is no substitute.
That weakness overcomes strength
And gentleness overcomes rigidity,
No one does not know;
No one can put into practice.

Therefore the Sage says :
"Who receives unto himself the calumny of the world.
Is the preserver ot the state.
Who bears himself the sins of the world Is the king of the world."
Straight words seem crooked.