Chapter 8

The highest goodness is like water. Water benefits all things without contending with them, and it dwells in places that most people disdain, thus it is closest to the Way. In dwelling, be good at choosing the right place; in the heart, be good at remaining deep and still; in giving, be good at being truly loving; in speaking, be good at keeping trust; in governing, be good at bringing order; in handling affairs, be good at using one’s strengths; in action, be good at seizing the right moment. Because it does not contend, it has no fault.