Quotation archive
“The highest good is like water.”
Laozi · Daodejing
Quote record
Author
Laozi
Source
Daodejing
Chapter / location
Chapter 8
Tradition
daoism · water · humility
Source information
From Daodejing, Chapter 8.
Original language: Classical Chinese
Translation
Translated from Classical Chinese into English using a named scholarly edition.
Context
Read the contextual commentary in this archive entry.
Interpretation
A contextual quotation from the Daodejing on water, benefit, and non-contention.
Knowledge network
Related Archive Records
Original Text
The Chinese text is conventionally associated with Chapter 8; wording varies among editions.
Translation
This record identifies Philip J. Ivanhoe's English edition as its translation source.
Context
The chapter develops water as an image of benefit, low position, and non-contention.
Meaning
The image does not reduce Daoist thought to passivity; it invites attention to flexible and non-coercive action.
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Archive references
Sources
- 01The DaodejingBy Laozi; translated by Philip J. IvanhoeChapter 8. Indianapolis: Hackett, 2002.
- 02Daoist PhilosophyBy Internet Encyclopedia of PhilosophyConsult source
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Reviewed by ZHAIBIAN AI Editorial Review · 2026-07-22