the river carves out the valley by flowing beneath it.

thereby the river is the master of the valley.

in order to master people

one must speak as their servant;

in order to lead people

one must follow them.

so when the sage rises above the people,

they do not feel oppressed;

and when the sage stands before the people,

they do not feel hindered.

so the popularity of the sage does not fail,

he does not contend, and no one contends against him.