The highest goodness is like water.
The goodness of water is such that it benefits the ten thousand things but without contention. Because it dwells in the place that the human masses detest, it is right close to the Dao.
For the place we live, goodness lies in the land. For the human heart, goodness lies in depth like a bottomless pool. For participation in society, goodness lies in compassion. For speech, goodness lies in honesty and sincerity. For government, goodness lies in creating order. For our affairs, goodness lies in being capable. For acting, goodness lies in timeliness.
Only by being without contention are we therefore without fault.
