Chapter 61 centers on the principle that “the greater must dwell below.” Through metaphors such as “a great nation, like a river or sea, positions itself humbly downstream” and “the feminine and yielding overcomes the masculine and forceful,” Laozi articulates a diplomatic philosophy rooted in humility and inclusivity. He argues that powerful nations should engage with smaller states through gentleness and modesty, resolving conflicts and building trust by “assuming a lower position.”
What makes a great state is its being (like) a low-lying, down- flowing (stream); – it becomes the centre to which tend (all the small states) under heaven.
(To illustrate from) the case of all females: – the female always overcomes the male by her stillness. Stillness may be considered (a sort of) abasement.
Thus it is that a great state, by condescending to small states, gains them for itself; and that small states, by abasing themselves to a great state, win it over to them. In the one case the abasement leads to gaining adherents, in the other case to procuring favour.
The great state only wishes to unite men together and nourish them; a small state only wishes to be received by, and to serve, the other. Each gets what it desires, but the great state must learn to abase itself.
This approach ultimately achieves mutual fulfillment where “all parties attain their needs.” Such wisdom transcends governance, offering a universal framework to dissolve power struggles. It underscores that true leadership lies not in domination but in quiet strength and shared harmony.
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