老子的《道德经》第八章：“上善若水。水善利万物而不争，处众人之所恶，故几于道。”
最完美的善就像水的品性一样，滋润万物却不与万物相争。“上善若水”多指为人处世时能像水一样滋润万物，尽己所能地帮助他人却从不争名逐利，或者具有坚忍负重、谦卑居下的品格。老子以水的这种柔弱之性比喻至善的执政者应有的品德。执政者面对百姓，应如水之于万物一般，辅助、成就百姓的自然而不与百姓相争。
"The greatest kindness is like water, nurturing all things without contending. This term was first used by Laozi to advocate that virtuous administrators should govern with gentle and accommodating qualities demonstrated by water. Those who govern should assist and provide for the people just like what the water did, instead of competing for resources with them."
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