Be More Like Water

In Taoist philosophy, water is often used as a metaphor for the ideal way of being. The Taoist sage Laozi, in the Tao Te Ching, reflects on water’s qualities, emphasizing its paradoxical nature: it is soft and yielding, yet also immensely powerful. This contrast symbolizes one of the Tao’s central teachings: true strength lies in flexibility, humility, and the willingness to adapt.

In Tao Te Ching, Chapter 78, Laozi writes, “Nothing in the world is softer and weaker than water. Yet nothing is better at overcoming the hard and strong.” He uses water as an example of wu wei, or “non-action,” a concept that encourages moving in harmony with the natural flow rather than forcing one’s will. Water does not resist obstacles, but rather moves around them, wearing them down over time. Its yielding nature ultimately allows it to overcome even the hardest stone or toughest terrain.

For Taoists, this characteristic of water teaches us to embrace softness and humility instead of rigidity and force. In daily life, this can mean letting go of rigid attachments, not fighting against situations that cannot be changed, and flowing with life’s challenges. Water’s yielding strength also suggests resilience; though it yields, it always finds its way, patiently shaping the world around it.

Let's be more like water, going with the flow of life and finding our empowerment through surrender and humility.