Tao Te Ching: Chapter #8

8

The supreme good is like water,
which nourishes all things without trying to.

So the supreme good is selfless, because it gives without wanting anything for itself, and it does it effortlessly.

It is content with the low places that people disdain.

By gravity, water flows naturally to the lowest point, and in this metaphor symbolises humility. 

Thus it is like the Tao.

So the Tao embodies effortless giving and humility, like water.

In dwelling, live close to the ground.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
In governing, don't try to control.
In work, do what you enjoy.
In family life, be completely present.

Those are rules for living: be humble; avoid overthinking, and seek clarity; be fair and generous; practice  Wu Wei; find what you really enjoy doing in life; stay with your relatives with body and mind, forget your smartphone, make room for them.

When you are content to be simply yourself
and don't compare or compete,
everybody will respect you.

By not comparing, you are focused only on yourself, so you have removed the root cause of envy; by not competing, you have deactivated a defensive mechanism in others, you are not a rival anymore; after doing both, you will remove any friction between you and others, you are content with yourself and your own path, you are not perceived as a threat or insicure anymore, you become complete and from that you will gain respect.

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