江海之所以能為百谷王者，以其善下之，故能為百谷王。是以圣人欲上民，必以言下之；欲先民，必以身后之。是以圣人处上而民不重，处前而民不害。是以天下乐推而不厌。以其不争，故天下莫能与之争。

Te Ching Chapter Sixty-six

The reason that river and ocean can be the Lords of all valley is because they are located in the lowly position.

Therefore, the saint humbles himself to serve all people.

And he leads the people by putting himself last for the sake of the people’s welfare.

Thus, although he rules above the people,

The people do not feel him as a burden.

Although he leads in front of the people,

The people do not feel him as a threat.

Hence, the world supports him with no objection.

This is because he does not contend,

Therefore, he is above all competition.