Chapter 24 of the Book of Virtues (Chapter 60 of the Inheritance Version).
The big country is in the lower class, and it is the outskirts of the world. Females are always more beautiful than males because they know how to show their charm better. Therefore, the great powers should attract males with vigor like females, so as to gain the recognition and acceptance of the great powers. Small states below large states are taken from small states, and large states below small states are taken from large states. Therefore, large countries should not only think about annexation and accumulation of manpower, but should treat small states with tolerance and humility. Both large and small states should get the results they want, and this is the reason why big countries should "deal with their subordinates." This passage uses many vivid metaphors to illustrate the way of life of a great power.
First, large countries are likened to "rivers in the lower streams", which means that large countries should accept and tolerate small countries like rivers. This metaphor vividly depicts the breadth and inclusiveness of a great power, and also implies the humility and respect that a great power should have.
Secondly, the big country is likened to the "mother of the world", which emphasizes the nurturing and nurturing role of the big country in small countries, and expresses the responsibility and responsibility of the big country.
Thirdly, the metaphor of a great power is "the vast suburbs of the city-state under heaven", which vividly depicts the vastness and richness of a large country, and also hints at the openness and pluralism that a large country should have.
When describing the relationship between large and small countries, the author uses the metaphor of fertile females attracting males, pointing out that small countries should attract large countries with their vitality like females, and gain the recognition and acceptance of large countries through their own vitality. At the same time, the great powers are described as treating small countries with "inferior means warfare", which is actually seizing small countries. And if a small country treats the big country with a humble attitude, it can win the trust of the big country.
This description reveals the delicate relationship between large and small countries, and also emphasizes the wisdom and strategy that small countries should have. In addition, large countries want to merge and accumulate manpower, while small countries want to enter the system of large countries. This description reveals the respective needs and goals of large and small countries, and also emphasizes the equality and respect that both sides deserve.
Finally, the chapter emphasizes that the ripe approach is for everyone to get the results they want, that is, for the great powers to "deal with them." This conclusion emphasizes the tolerance and humility that major countries should have, and also calls on both sides to achieve win-win results on the basis of mutual respect.
To sum up, this passage illustrates the way a great country should behave in the world through rich metaphors and vivid descriptions, that is, tolerance, respect, responsibility, wisdom and win-win. These values apply not only to international relations, but also to international relations.
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