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Tao Te Ching · 61 of 81

Chapter 61

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.

Asked of Guide

Why does the chapter praise a great state for being low-lying and abasing itself?

Lao Tzu says a great state wins others by taking the position of a low, down‑flowing stream and by the female quality of stillness; abasement functions as attraction. The chapter describes two reciprocal moves: the great state “condescending to small states” gains adherents, and small states that abase themselves “procure favour,” so humility becomes the strategy for unity and nourishment.

This is political advice translated into image: power acts like water, collecting rather than forcing, and stillness exerts influence without clash. If you want a cross‑reference, Chuang Tzu treats moral power similarly—deeds raise their performer—showing early Taoist confidence that low posture produces real authority.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.

Echoes elsewhere

Chuang Tzu · Taoismdeeds can raise their performer above others. Even men who are not good are not abandoned by it. 3. Therefore when the sovereign occupies his place as the Son of Heaven, and he has The Li Ki (Book of Rites) · Confucianismsends a message to another, the messenger speaks of himself as 'the ancient of my poor ruler.' 5. 17. The demeanour of the son of Heaven should be characterised by majesty; of the Tao, The Great Luminant · Taoismand the others small, but the presence of the emperor makes the difference and gives the dignity. Now the honour conferred by the Heavenly Doctrine is even greater than that confer Cosmic Consciousness · Esotericof profit or injury—of nobility or meanness; he is the noblest man under heaven [166: 100]. (Its) admirable words can purchase honor;* (its) admirable deeds can raise their perform