Enthusiasm — 二六

The Line

Interpretation

Here is depicted someone who does not let themself be dazzled by any illusions. While others let themselves be blinded by enthusiasm, they recognize the first signs of the time with perfect clarity. Thus they are not flattering toward those above, not negligent toward those below. Thus they are firm as stone. As soon as the first sign of discontent appears, they know how to withdraw in good time, without wasting even a day. Perseverance in such conduct brings good fortune. Confucius says of this: "To know the seeds, that is indeed divine. The noble one in intercourse upward is not flattering, in intercourse downward is not presumptuous. They know the seeds well. The seeds are the first imperceptible beginning of motion, that which first shows itself of good fortune (and misfortune). The noble one sees the seeds and acts at once. They do not wait even a whole day. In the Book of Changes it is said: 'Firm as a stone. Not a whole day. Perseverance brings good fortune.' 'Firm as a stone, why a whole day? The judgment can be known. The noble one knows what is hidden and what is open. They know the weak, they know the strong also: therefore the myriads look up to them.'"