61. The Lower Stream
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
大国者下流，天下之交，天下之牝。
English translation
A great state should be like the lower reaches of a river: the meeting place of the world, the receptive, feminine side of the world.
The low ground receives many streams. A powerful state likewise draws others toward it by taking a modest and receptive position.
Original Chinese text
牝常以静胜牡，以静为下。
English translation
The receptive female regularly prevails over the assertive male through stillness, and through stillness takes the lower position.
To prevail here does not mean overpowering another. Quiet receptiveness gains influence without contention, so taking the lower place is not the same as weakness.
Original Chinese text
故大国以下小国，则取小国；小国以下大国，则取大国。
English translation
Thus, when a great state places itself below a small state, it wins the small state's allegiance; when a small state places itself below a great state, it wins the great state's acceptance.
Large and small states have different needs, yet humility serves both: the strong gain trust, while the weak gain room to belong.
Original Chinese text
故或下以取，或下而取。
English translation
Thus one takes the lower position in order to gain the other, while another is already in the lower position and is thereby accepted.
For both the strong and the small, taking the lower place makes relationship possible, though each side gains something different.
Original Chinese text
大国不过欲兼畜人，小国不过欲入事人。
English translation
A great state seeks only to include and sustain more people; a small state seeks only to enter and serve within the larger order.
Their aims need not conflict. The larger state is called to include and support, while the smaller seeks a secure place for cooperation.
Original Chinese text
夫两者各得其所欲，大者宜为下。
English translation
For both sides to obtain what they seek, the greater one should take the lower position.
The side with greater power has more room to show restraint first. Its humility creates the conditions for both parties' needs to be met.