When a country obtains great power
it becomes like the sea
all streams run downward into it
The more powerful it grows
the greater the need for humility
Humility means trusting the Tao
thus never needing to be defensive

A great nation is like a great man
When he makes a mistake, he realizes it
Having realized it, he admits it
Having admitted it, he corrects it
He considers those who point out his faults
as his most benevolent teachers
He thinks of his enemy
as the shadow that he himself casts

If a nation is centered in the Tao
if it nourishes its own people
and doesn't meddle in the affairs of others
it will be a light to all nations in the world