Allowing for Softness

Human beings are

soft and supple when alive, 

stiff and straight when dead.

The myriad creatures, the grasses and trees are

soft and fragile when alive

dry and withered when dead.

Therefore, it is said:

The rigid person is a disciple of death;

The soft, supple, and delicate are lovers of life.

An army that is inflexible will not conquer;

A tree that is inflexible will snap.

The unyielding and might shall be brought low;

The soft, supple, and delicate will be set above.

• Lao Tzu. Tao Te Ching 41