Chapter 8
Taoism — Lao-tzu and the Unnameable Way · text: Translated by James Legge (Sacred Books of the East, 1891) — Project Gutenberg eBook #216, 'The Tao Teh King' (public domain). Highlighted passages are answered beneath the text.
1The highest excellence is like (that of) water. The excellence of water appears in its benefiting all things, and in its occupying, without striving (to the contrary), the low place which all men dislike. Hence (its way) is near to (that of) the Tao. ★ REFUTED
Water benefits all things and seeks the low place without striving — a beautiful picture of humility, and Taoism's sage rules by not ruling. The picture finds its substance in Christ, who 'took upon him the form of a servant' and washed His disciples' feet (John 13), and who invites the thirsty to living water (John 7:37–38). The Tao admires the low place from a distance; Jesus occupied it, and from it saves.
2The excellence of a residence is in (the suitability of) the place; that of the mind is in abysmal stillness; that of associations is in their being with the virtuous; that of government is in its securing good order; that of (the conduct of) affairs is in its ability; and that of (the initiation of) any movement is in its timeliness.
3And when (one with the highest excellence) does not wrangle (about his low position), no one finds fault with him.