老子说 - 道德经（8）

水的特性

1. 滋养万物
2. 柔软不争
3. 甘居低处

品格高尚的人，好像水那样，水滋润万物却不与万物相争，甘心留在没人喜欢的低洼处，那样的人其实最接近于道。

他生活在适合的处所，他善于保持沉静，他善于给予仁爱真诚、他善于格守信用，他在政务上善于治理，他在处事上善于扬长避短，他在行动上善于把握时机。他的所作所为不是为了争名夺利，也因不争而没有过失，也就没有怨咎。

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 (lowly) 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 business affairs, he loves ability;
In his actions, he loves choosing the right time.
It is because he does not contend
That he is without reproach.
-- Lin Yutang 林语堂