Compare to Buddhism, which would withdraw from the spoke to the hub, from the hurricane to the eye, from movement to tranquillity. Confucianism keeps to the male or active, yet includes the female or receptive. Taoism emphasizes the female and receptive. The Confucian makes things happen. The Taoist prepares himself and then lets things happen, lets actions and words be born.
Nature lasts because it is unselfish, because it gives of itself constantly.
The sage lasts because he puts himself last, does not cling to himself. Aggression is suicidal. That which competes with others and leaves its base must decline and wither. Forcing things brings about the opposite of what one intends. Making people do things causes resistance.