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Actually the idea in the subtitle is a concept in Laozi, chapter 61. Google translate of a modern Chinese elaboration of the original text is quoted below (begin quote)

A great country should be like a place located in the lower reaches of a river, where all rivers and streams converge, and be in a feminine and gentle position. The feminine and gentle often surpass the strong and powerful by being quiet and stable, because it is in a gentle and lower position. Therefore, if a great country is humble and tolerant to a small country, it can gain the trust and dependence of the small country; if a small country is humble and tolerant to a great country, it can be tolerated by the great country. Therefore, either a great country is humble and tolerant to a small country and gain the trust of a great country, or a small country is humble and tolerant to a great country and is tolerated by a great country. A great country should not be too eager to rule a small country, and a small country should not be too eager to obey a great country. Both sides get what they want, and the great country should be especially humble and tolerant.

(end quote)

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