Chapter 60
IndexA great state is like the lower reaches of a river, the meeting place of the world, the feminine of the world.
The feminine always conquers the masculine through stillness, using stillness to position itself below.
Therefore, when a large state humbles itself before a small state, it wins over the small state; when a small state humbles itself before a large state, it wins over the large state.
Thus, some lower themselves in order to gain, while others lower themselves and thereby gain.
A great nation desires no more than to unite and nurture people; a small nation desires no more than to enter into service of others.
Thus, both achieve what they desire, yet it is fitting for the greater to take the lower position.