| Original | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Nothing under heaven is more supple and weak than water, | |
| yet when it attacks the rigid and strong, nothing can overcome it; | |
| there is no way to change this. | |
| The weak prevailing over the strong, | |
| the supple prevailing over the rigid— | |
| everyone under heaven knows this, | |
| yet none can act on it. | |
| Therefore the Sage says: | |
| To accept the filth of the state— | |
| this is called the master of the altars; | |
| to accept the misfortunes of the state— | |
| this is called the King of all under heaven. | |
| Right words seem contrary. |