Laozi's philosophy is deeply pragmatic and practical, despite the profound and mystical nature of his 5,000-character treatise. His teachings carry significant relevance to real-world situations, particularly in guiding individuals on how to conduct themselves. He offers many simple yet crucial strategies that reveal truths about preserving one's life and establishing oneself morally in a complex and tumultuous society. What appears contradictory or foolish at first glance unveils profound wisdom. Water, a common natural element, takes on a significant symbolic role in Laozi's text due to its unique properties. He frequently references water, dew, rivers, seas, and valleys as metaphors to illustrate his views on yielding, embracing humility, and maintaining tranquility. Water embodies all the virtues Laozi wishes to convey, leading him to state, “The highest good is like water. Water benefits all things without striving against them, dwelling where others disdain to be, thus it comes close to the Tao.”
Broadly speaking, water possesses four primary virtues:
First, water performs the ultimate good for humanity: Laozi says, “The highest good is like water, which nourishes all things without contending.” This translates to “the most virtuous person is like water, which sustains all living beings without competing with them.” As a natural resource, water's significance to life on Earth is self-evident. Without water, there would be no life. It's said that humans can survive seven days without food but only three days without water. Water not only serves our daily drinking needs but also nurtures all forms of life and irrigates fertile lands. With water, plants grow, animals thrive, and the world becomes vibrant and full of variety. Water not only sustains human life but also transforms our lives as a critical source of energy. Hydroelectric power, as a new generation of eco-friendly energy, plays an increasingly important role in modern society. Additionally, water presents itself in myriad forms—springs, streams, lakes, and oceans—providing us with endless aesthetic enjoyment. Water's contribution to human society is indeed immense.
Second, despite its supreme virtue, water quietly flows to low places, content with a humble position. Thus, the second virtue of water is its humility. Laozi states, “Water nourishes all things without contending, remaining in places others shun, thus it approaches the Tao.” The phrase “people strive upwards while water flows downwards” is merely a natural phenomenon, but it reveals a significant virtue—that even someone who has accomplished great deeds should maintain a humble disposition. Laozi recognizes that those in positions of power and prestige often have strong egos, which can lead to self-centeredness and arrogance. However, these same individuals are often prone to jealousy and attack from others. For such people, adopting a humble stance, akin to water, is crucial. Even if someone's impact on the world is immense, failing to maintain a low profile and boasting about one's achievements can easily incite resentment and aversion in others, ultimately bringing disaster upon oneself. Therefore, Laozi regards “humility” as a fundamental principle for getting along in the world, emphasizing, “Therefore, when the sage desires to lead the people, he must speak humbly to them; when he wishes to precede the people, he must place himself behind them. Thus, the sage remains above the people without burdening them, and ahead of them without harming them. Therefore, the people joyfully support him without tiring. Because he does not contend, none in the world can contend with him.” This principle applies not only to personal conduct but also to politics. Leaders who excel at using people are those who show respect to their subordinates, listen to their opinions, and remain humble. Arrogance and autocracy, however, are detrimental. He cautions, “By not asserting himself, one is clear; by not presuming himself right, one is discerning.” Maintaining emptiness and avoiding fullness, accepting weakness, and preserving constant virtue are necessary to remain invincible. Not clinging to one's own views and not presuming oneself right enables one to perceive things clearly.
Third, water possesses immense capacity, as Laozi explains, “The reason why rivers and seas can be the kings of all valleys is because they are good at being below them; thus, they become the kings of all valleys.” Laozi likens taking a lower position to the vastness of oceans, symbolizing the breadth and inclusiveness of a person's character. A single drop of water is incredibly insignificant, evaporating quickly under sunlight. However, due to water's humility, constantly flowing to lower places and accumulating, it eventually becomes the sea. Yet, even the most expansive ocean never refuses the addition of other droplets. This spirit of inclusiveness and tolerance has contributed to the ocean's grandeur. Humans should emulate this spirit of inclusiveness and cultivation. Throughout history, it has been repeatedly proven that only those emperors, generals, and ministers who are adept at attracting talent and tolerating dissent can achieve greatness, such as Cao Cao in the Three Kingdoms period and Liu Xiu in the Han dynasty.
Lastly, water embodies the paradoxical strength in gentleness. Laozi asserts, “There is nothing in the world softer and weaker than water, yet when attacking the hard and the strong, nothing can surpass it, for there is no substitute for it. The weak overcomes the strong, and the gentle overcomes the hard; this is known by all under heaven, yet none can put it into practice.” On the surface, this appears to be a strange contradiction. Water, the softest substance in the world, is also the most capable of conquering hardness. A single drop of water, through persistence, can penetrate stone. Even the sharpest sword cannot sever a continuous flow of water—the proverb “drawing a sword to cut water only makes the flow more abundant” illustrates this point. This originates from water's persistence and accumulation. A single drop of water, through perseverance, can bore through stone. A single drop of water, through perseverance, can corrode a sword. A single drop of water, through continuous accumulation, can gather immense force, rendering it invincible.
Reflecting on the four virtues of water discussed, we can discern a logical connection. First, one must strive to create merit beneficial to society, performing the ultimate good. However, having achieved merit, one must not become arrogant or self-satisfied but maintain a humble demeanor. Subsequently, with such a modest and respectful attitude, one will cultivate a broad and tolerant heart. Moreover, within this all-encompassing spirit, one continuously accumulates knowledge and energy. Finally, such relentless accumulation culminates in tremendous power. Anyone who undergoes this process of self-cultivation will not only find security in life but also achieve great accomplishments.