The image of water, which is weak, overcoming rocks is used as the basis for showing why the Sage-king can accept shame and disgrace, because like water these are in a position of weakness and hence, paradoxically, of strength.
In the world nothing is softer or weaker than water,
Yet there is also nothing that can outdo her ability to attack the
hard and firm,
For there is nothing that can substitute for her.
Water overcomes rock; soft overcomes firm.*
No one in the world does not know this and yet none can
practise it.
Therefore,
The Sage’s words say:
To accept shame for the state is said of* the lord of the altars of
earth and grain;
To accept misfortune for the state is said of the king of all under
heaven.
Orthodox sayings are seemingly reversed.