Chapter 78
SEVENTY-EIGHT
Nothing is more fragile than water, yet of all the agencies that attack hard substances nothing can surpass water, nor take its place. Therefore the weak are conquerors of the strong, and the yielding are conquerors of the mighty. Everyone knows this but few practice it.
Therefore, the perfect Sage accepts the disgrace of
his country and by so doing becomes a true patriot; he is patient under the misfortunes of his country and because of it worthy to be its sovereign.
True words always seem paradoxical, but no other form of teaching can take its place.