Leading Without Forcing
The Ruler the People Never Quite Knew
That whereby the rivers and seas are able to receive the homage and tribute of all the valley streams is their skill in being lower than they. Thus they are the kings of them all. The sage, wishing to be above men, puts himself by his words below them, and wishing to be before them, places his person behind them. Though he has his place above, men do not feel his weight. Because he does not strive, no one finds it possible to strive with him.
Key Insight
Height that announces itself has to be managed. Height that lies below collects what gravity was already sending. The tribute arrives because the sea did not climb.
“That whereby the rivers and seas are able to receive the homage and tribute of all the valley streams, is their skill in being lower than they; it is thus that they are the kings of them all.”Explore full theme analysis
