When a country obtains great power,
it becomes like the sea
 Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching (4th century BC). copy citation

add
Author Lao Tzu
Source Tao Te Ching
Topic power sea
Date 4th century BC
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by Stephen Mitchell
Weblink https://terebess.hu/english/tao/mitchell.html

Context

“Center your country in the Tao and evil will have no power. Not that it isn't there, but you'll be able to step out of its way. Give evil nothing to oppose and it will disappear by itself. 61 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:” source