In another thread about a rather serious life question involving a point of contention with others, one poster gave the following advice:

'Does water feel strongly about anything? When does water not "give"? Tell him to be like water.'

I wanted to discuss this idea, but felt this discussion was off-topic to the thread and did not need to clutter up the advice thread, so I've posted here instead.

Is there nothing worth standing up for, nowhere where the line should be drawn? Must a Taoist "give" on all issues? If so, what is the difference between being like water and being like a doormat -- letting anyone who shows up walk all over you?