Tao te Ching

78 There is nothing in this world that is softer and meeker than water. Even those that can conquer the strong and hard, Are still not superior than water. Nothing can substitute it. Hence, what is soft can overcome the strong. What is gentle can overcome the strength. This is known by the world. However, people cannot put it into practice. Therefore, the saint said as follow: He who can take the disgrace of a nation, Is said to be the master of the nation. He who can bear the misfortune of a nation, Is said to be the ruler of the world. Truthful words may seem to be the reverse of worldly practices.