Chapter 60
A great nation is like the lower reaches of a river - the confluence point of all under heaven, the feminine principle of all under heaven.
The feminine constantly overcomes the masculine through stillness; through stillness it takes the lower position.
Thus when a great state takes the lower position toward a small state, it wins over the small state; when a small state takes the lower position toward a great state, it wins over the great state.
Thus some lower themselves in order to win over, while others lower themselves and thereby are won over.
The great state desires nothing more than to gather and nurture others; the small state desires nothing more than to enter into and serve others.
When both parties each obtain what they desire, it is fitting that the greater one take the lower position.