Translation:
The highest virtue is like water. Water is good at helping all things but does not contend with them. It stays in places that people dislike so it is very close to the Dao. The best person is naturally in a position that is not noticeable. Their heart is calm and unfathomable they treat others with sincerity love and selflessness they speak with integrity they govern with simplicity and efficiency they can govern the country well they are skilled in handling matters and they are good at seizing opportunities. Because they do not contend with others when dealing with people and matters they do not overly emphasize their own position thus avoiding or exacerbating conflicts.
Vibrant colors dazzle the eyes; noisy sounds impair hearing; strong odors harm the sense of taste; indulging in hunting and plundering leads to reckless thoughts; rare items lead people astray. Therefore the sage focuses on solving the basic needs of life and does not indulge in sensory pleasures so they must make choices.
In ancient times those who were good at following the Dao were subtle and profound and their understanding was beyond the reach of ordinary people.
Because they cannot be understood they can only be described reluctantly: they are cautious like crossing a river on thin ice in winter; they are vigilant like guarding against the invasion of neighboring countries; they are respectful like attending a banquet as a guest; they act freely like the slow melting of ice; they are simple and honest like unprocessed raw materials; they are vast and open-minded like deep valleys; they are magnanimous and tolerant like muddy water.
Who can make the turbid water calm down and gradually become clear?
Who can make the calm water move and gradually show vitality?
Those who adhere to the Dao will not be complacent. Because they are never complacent they can constantly renew themselves.
Bending can preserve and being pressed can stretch; sinking can be filled and decay can lead to renewal; singularity leads to gain while multiplicity leads to confusion. Therefore the sage understands the principle of unifying all things and can govern the world.
Not relying solely on their own perspective they can see clearly; not being self-righteous they are respected; not boasting about themselves they can see their achievements; not being arrogant they can endure for a long time.
Only with a non-contentious attitude can one have no one in the world who can contend with them.
The saying in ancient times yielding can preserve oneself is not an empty phrase. It can truly be achieved.
Standing on tiptoe to try to elevate oneself
《老子·八章》译文及注释详情»
特点是变化无常，没有固定的形体、色彩和居所。这与道的特质相似，道也是无形无色、无处不在的。水的流动不息，永不穷竭，这也是道的特性之一。因此，老子认为水德是近于道的。
老子还通过水的特点来赞美一个优秀的领导者应该具备的人格特征。首先是居善地，即处于适当的位置。这并不一定是最好、最高的位置，而是适合自己的位置。在社会中，找准自己的位置是最重要的，不要过于看重外界的评价和虚荣，而是要注重适合自己的位置。
其次是心善渊，即人的心要像深潭一样平静而深远。这意味着要有涵养，能包容，不浅薄，不狭隘。只有拥有宽广的胸怀，才能包容不同的人和事，才能融入社会。
与善仁是与别人交往时要怀有仁慈和爱之心，像水一样善利万物，默默无闻，不求回报，以不争之心而争。这意味着要善待他人，不计较得失，以和平的心态与人相处。
言善信是指要像水一样恪守信用，言行一致，不言而信。水客观地映照天地万物，人也应该如此，保持诚信，直言不讳。
政善治、事善能是指治理民众应顺应大道，无为而治；行事应效仿水，遵从潮流，圆润而不僵化。这意味着领导者应该以道为准则，不违背自然规律，以柔性的方式处理事务。
动善时是指水总是依规律应时而动，人也应该遵守规则，顺势而为。这意味着要善于把握时机，根据情况灵活应变。
水虽然不像火那样热烈，也不像石那么刚强，但它却具有灭火和滴水穿石的能力。这表明水的最显著特性是以不争争，以无私私。水滋润万物而不居功，甘心停留在最低洼、最潮湿的地方。这正是圣人处世的要旨，即“居下不争”。
总的来说，老子通过赞美水的特点和作用，描绘了一个优秀的领导者所应具备的人格特征。这些特征包括居善地、心善渊、与善仁、言善信、政善治、事善能和动善时。这些特征与水的特点相似，都体现了柔性、包容和顺应自然的原则。
《老子·八章》赏析详情»