译文：江海能使所有小河、溪流归附，成为它们君主的原因，就在于它善于将自己处在它们的下面，所以就能成为水族领袖。也就是说，英明的君主想要统御万民，一定要注意保持谦下。想要走在民众的前面去领导，必须把自己的利益得失放在民众的后面。只有这样的领导处于上位，民众不会觉得压抑，不会认为是沉重的负担；他们在前面领导，民众不会担心自己的前途、利益受到损害。这样的统治者才会赢得民众全心全意地拥戴。不正是因为他始终不与别人争夺吗？所以天下就没人争得过他。本章通过“道”的几个基本理念“水”、“下”、“谷”来说明“不争之德”。“不争”是“无为”的基本精神。

《道德经》(第六十六章)

江海所以能为百谷王者，
以其善下之，
故能为百谷王。
是以圣人欲上民，
必以言下之；
欲先民，
必以身后之。
是以圣人处上而民不重，
处前而民不害。
是以天下乐推而不厌。
以其不争，
故天下莫能与之争。

Chapter 66
The river and sea can be kings of the hundred valley streams because they are good at lying below them.
For this reason,
They can be kings of the hundred valley streams.
For this reason, too,
If the sage wants to be above the people,
in his words, he must put himself below them;
If he wishes to be before the people,
in his person, he must stand behind them.
Therefore,
He is situated in front of the people,
but they are not offended;
He is situated above the people,
but they do not consider him a burden.
All under heaven happily push him forward without wearying.
Is this not because he is without contention?
Therefore,
No one under heaven can contend with him.

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