a moment w/ Tao Te Ching

24 (61): Translation by Victor H. Mair & based on the recently discovered Ma-Wang-Tui Manuscripts

A large state is like a slow-moving estuary,
     the female of all under heaven.
In the congress of all under heaven,
     the female always conquers the male through her stillness.
Because she is still,
     it is fitting for her to lie low.
By lying beneath a small state
     a large state can take over a small state.
By lying beneath a large state,
     a small state can be taken over by a large state.

Therefore,
     One may either take or be taken over by lying low.
Therefore,
     The large state wishes only to annex & nurture others;
     The small state wants only to join with & serve others.

Now,
     Since both get what they want,
     It is fitting for the large state to lie low.


--- I'm not entirely happy with the wording, but it fits my view of corporations and similar businesses.