nature takes its course; water seeks its own level
A classical proverb meaning that things naturally flow to the easiest or most natural state, just as water flows downhill. Often used to express that one cannot fight natural tendencies or the course of events.
Like water seeking its own level, he walked the path to success without even trying.
In this world, nature takes its course. There's no need to fight it.
A modern, neutral phrase meaning 'the natural course of events,' without the classical or proverbial flavor of 水の低きに就くが如し.
A common expression meaning 'to go with the flow,' more casual and personal than the philosophical proverb.
Classical kanji form of the proverb; 就く is the older spelling.
Modernized spelling with つく in kana; common in contemporary usage.
The simile derives from the 「孟子」 passage 人性之善也、猶水之就下也, which compares human nature’s tendency toward goodness to water flowing downward.